Karachi, Pakistan – Web Desk: Pakistani actress Urwa Hocane has come under scrutiny after an Islamic scholar criticized her for altering the spelling of her surname from “Hussain” to “Hocane” during a private TV Ramadan transmission.
The program featured respected scholars from various Islamic schools of thought discussing contemporary social and religious issues. When asked about the trend of celebrities modifying Islamic names for stylistic purposes, the scholar emphasized that deliberately changing or distorting a person’s name is not permissible under Islamic law.
He cited an example from the life of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), who condemned calling someone by a mispronounced name, stating it amounts to an injustice. “A person’s name is their right, given by their parents. Altering it intentionally is not correct,” he said.
The scholar further noted that while choosing Islamic names, care and respect are important. For instance, some may avoid the name Muhammad due to its obligations and honor. Similarly, celebrities should avoid intentionally altering names, as it is inconsistent with Islamic principles.
This commentary comes amid a growing trend of public figures modernizing or rebranding traditional Islamic names for social media and professional purposes, sparking debate among religious scholars and audiences alike.
