Circumcision and Choosing a Name
Assalam alaikum
I am a young man from Denmark, who for some time have been interested in Islam. I have now reached a point where I am absolutely sure that I want to become a Muslim. My questions are as follows: - Since I would have to be circumcised to become Muslim (this I gladly accepts) I would like to know how this comes about. Is it done by a doctor, an imam or by oneself? - I feel changing my name as I become Muslim is a truly happy occasion. But I would like to know which of the following names you find to be most suitable as my new first name? ¤ Qasim ¤ Aasim ¤ Taymullah ¤ or Sayyid I will be very grateful indeed to get a response to my letter. Sincerely

All Praise is due to Allah,
All Praise is due to Allah for having guided you to this path which you would not have been guided to without Allaah’s Guidance. Your interest in embracing our religion is very pleasant news for us tonight. We pray to Allaah that you successfully embrace Islam and become steadfast on it. As for your first question, if circumcision does not cause you harm, you can have it performed by a surgeon who’s experience and skill you trust. If it would cause you harm, then you don’t have to do it and that will not adversely affect your Islam, InShaa'a Allah (Allah Willing). As for changing your name, note that the most beloved names to Allah are: Abdul-llah (The Slave/worshipper of Allah) and Abdul-Rahman (The Slave/worshipper of the Most Merciful – one of the names of Allah). This came to us in the authentic Hadeeth (sayings) of the Prophet (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Him) which was narrated by Muslim (hadeeth number 3975). If you want us to choose one of the names that you have listed, you can use Aasim which means: protector – preserver – defender – guarder. We pray to Allaah for you to have a Blissful and Pleasant life in the shadow of the Great Islam.