As-salamu'aleikum, On my ID card I was given my husband's last name without being asked for permission. I understand that this is forbidden in Islam. However, I always use my father's last name myself except on official papers. Am I to blame for what has happened? Will Paradise be forbidden for me?

All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

We have already clarified that it is not permissible for a person to be traced back to other than his father [or grandfather] but if this happened without your knowledge, then you are not sinful. However, you should endeavour to change this matter back into its lawful status unless you fear to be harmed by doing so. In which case, you may keep your name as it is in official papers provided that you inform the people about the truth regarding your family lineage so that there would be no mixing in family lineages and no loss in rights.

For more benefit, please refer to Fataawa 85803 and 86211.

In regard to Paradise being forbidden for a person who is traced back to other than his father, then there are two interpretations of the scholars on this:

1-    This applies to a person who knows that this matter is forbidden and considers it to be lawful.

2-    A person who does such an act deserves that Paradise be forbidden for him, and he may be punished for doing it, and so he will be prevented from entering Paradise at first, and then (after being punished in Hellfire) he will enter it. Also, he may not be punished for such an act and Allaah may have mercy on him and grant him Paradise without entering Hellfire at all.

Allaah Knows best.