Why Do You Still bear Muslim Names after Converting to Christianity? Ibrahim Dikko's Answer

There is no where in the Bible that is written: when a person becomes a Christian he/she must change his/her name. The practice of changing name is not known in the Scripture and is never mentioned anywhere by the Lord Jesus Christ. The name Jesus Christ which was given by angel Gabriel and was confirmed on the eightieth day after birth was never changed when He was baptised by John the Baptist. The idea of changing names to foreign ones is from the colonial peoples who did not see anything good about Africa including African Cultures and names. There is nothing like baptismal name in the Bible. If therefore a person's name is Mohammed, he can decide to retain the name even after converting to Christianity if he is comfortable with the name. Added by Ijuo Okpe

Evang. Ibrahim Dikko

An important message to some Muslims who keep  asking why I still bear Muslim names, and why I named my son Muslim names. I also face the same challenge and question from some of my fellow Christians who wonder why I have retained my Islamic names.

My names are: IBRAHIM DIKKO YA'U.

Yes, those names are names  given to me when I was born into an Islamic family. I am now a Christian and the reason I have not changed my names should not be anyone's concern as I am comfortable with the meanings of those names.

Ibrahim is Arabic language version of Abraham in the bible; the meaning of Ibrahim or Abraham is the father of all nation.

Ibrahim is not religion or is not Islam. Arabic is not meant for Islam. Arabic is a language like other languages we have in the world.

"Dikko" is Fulani language and the meaning is dance in fulani language while my surname is Ya'u.

So why do you want me to change my name?

My Son's names are Haneef Gospel Ibrahim. Haneef means true believer in Arabic language, while Gospel means the teaching or revelation of Christ. it is the Church's mission to preach the gospel  and not to be bothered about names of converts. My son's surname is Ibrahim which is me in person, therefore let no Christian clergy make it mandatory to change names of people who convert to Christianity from any religion.

Please, let me advise Church leaders, Pastors and Missionaries, not to attempt to change names of converts from Islam; it is not necessary.

Here are some names in Arabic and their meanings in English:

Maryam is Merry.

Yusuf is Joseph.

Ibrahim is Abraham.

Nuhu is Noah

Yahaya is John. 

I reiterate, it is not a wise approach to change converts' names unless they so desire to have new names.

Evangelist Ibrahim Dikko 

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