‘I’m not changing my father’s name’: Emir of Kano daughter-in-law vows to retain maiden name after marriage

Sultana Nazif, the new daughter-in-law of Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi II, has announced that she will continue using her maiden name following her marriage to Ashraf Adam Sanusi.

The 24-year-old, who is the daughter of Senator Suleiman Nazif from Bauchi, married Ashraf in August 2024.

During a question-and-answer session with her followers on Wednesday night, February 19, 2025, Sultana explained her decision, stating that she does not believe women should replace their father’s name after marriage.

Her stance has sparked conversations on social media, with many debating the cultural and personal significance of name changes after marriage.

According to the popular Islamic question-and-answer website Islamqa.com, it is forbidden for a woman to change her family name to that of her husband after she gets married.

“This is haram and is not allowed in sharee’ah, because it is not permissible for anyone to claim to belong to anyone other than his or her father. Allah says (interpretation of the meaning): “Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers, that is more just with Allah…” [al-Ahzaab 33:5]. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah has cursed the one who claims to belong to someone other than his father.”(Reported by Imam Ahmad and others).”