Islam does not outrightly prohibit adoption, but it places several limitations and conditions that adoption must meet. According to Islamic jurisprudence, adoption is seen as a form of social change aimed at augmenting family relations and care for destitute orphans. However, adoption in Islam is not the same as adoption in other cultures because of the belief that the adopted child should maintain their lineage.
One of the main reasons why Islam places restrictions on adoption is because Islam values maintaining the biological lineage and the bonds of kinship. This means that the adoptive child must maintain their biological name and maintain connections with their biological parents, roots, and heritage. The goal is to prevent any confusion about family lineage and to maintain the rights and position of the biological parents.
Another reason why Islam restricts adoption is to protect the adoptive child’s inheritance right. In Islamic law, inheritance rights are based on biological relationships, and any attempts to manipulate these relationships through adoption could lead to conflicts and inequalities. To avoid this, the adoptive child is not entitled to the inheritance of their adoptive parents.
In addition to inheritance, Islamic law prescribes the issue of Meher as an essential part of marriage. Meher is a customary gift that a groom gives to his bride at the time of marriage, and it is mandatory in Islamic law. It is also believed that adopted children cannot give Meher to their adoptive mothers, as there is no legal relationship or bond that compels them to do this.
This means that the adoptive mother would not benefit from this customarily important aspect of the marriage.
Islam also emphasizes the importance of creating and maintaining an interconnected web of relationships among family members. Thus, it prohibits any form of secrecy that may arise from adoption, as there must be clear and open communication between the adoptive child and their biological family members.
For this reason, Islam encourages guardianship rather than adoption.
While Islam does not prohibit adoption, it places several limitations and conditions that adoption must meet. Adoption in Islam is seen as a way of providing care for destitute and helpless orphans, but it should not interfere with the biological lineages, inheritance, and other customary practices.
Therefore, guardianship is preferred over adoption, as it takes care of the needs of the child while at the same time guaranteeing the dignity and rights of all family members.
Table of Contents
Is it Haram to adopt a child in Islam?
The concept of adoption in Islam is slightly different from adoption as it is commonly practiced in the Western world. Under Islamic law, adoption does not change the lineage and the adopted child retains their own biological family name, genealogy, and inheritance rights. The Prophet Muhammad himself, in fact, did not adopt a child, but rather kinship ties were established through a process known as “Kafalah.”
In Islam, it is encouraged to care for and support orphans, but it is not permissible to completely erase their lineage or replace their biological parents. This is because lineage is an important aspect in Islamic law, particularly concerning inheritance and legal rights. Therefore, it is prohibited to change the name or lineage of an orphan child through the process of adoption.
However, guardianship of an orphan child and ensuring proper care and upbringing for them is seen as a virtuous act, and a means of earning God’s reward.
Additionally, Islam places great emphasis on maintaining the ties of kinship, particularly with blood relatives. This includes ensuring that orphaned children stay connected with their biological families, if possible, and facilitating contact between them when appropriate.
While adoption in the Western sense is not permissible in Islam, providing care and guardianship for an orphan child is a virtuous act. It is important to maintain the child’s lineage and biological family ties while also ensuring their proper upbringing and care.
What does the Quran say about adoption?
The Quran talks about adoption in a few different verses, but the message throughout is generally the same. According to Islamic teachings, adoption is not the same as biological parenthood and should not be treated as such. Rather, it is a way to provide care and support for children who may not have a family of their own.
One of the key verses in the Quran related to adoption is found in Surah al-Ahzab (33:4-5). Here, Allah says, “Nor has He made your adopted sons your (biological) sons. These are (only) words of your mouths.” This verse suggests that an adopted child does not have the same legal rights as a biological child and should not be treated as such.
It also implies that words alone are not enough to make a child your own, but rather it is the care and love you provide that matters.
Another verse that is often cited in discussions about adoption is found in Surah al-Maida (5:89). Here, Allah says, “Allah does not forbid you from showing kindness and dealing justly with those who have not fought against you on account of religion and have not driven you out from your homes. Verily, Allah loves those who deal with equity.”
This verse is often seen to suggest that adoption is permissible as long as it is done with kindness and justice, and that those who provide care for children in this way are loved by Allah.
However, there are some restrictions on adoption within Islamic teachings. For example, according to some interpretations, a child who is adopted should not take the name of their adoptive parents or be considered part of their lineage. This is because lineage is considered important within Islamic traditions and a person’s biological roots should be respected.
Additionally, some scholars have suggested that adoption should only be considered for children who have been orphaned or are in need, rather than simply as a means of expanding one’s family.
Overall, the Quran provides guidance on the importance of supporting and caring for children, but also emphasizes the distinction between biological and adoptive parenthood. While adoption is seen as a way to provide care and support for children in need, it is not considered equivalent to biological parenthood in Islamic law.
Is it haram to put a child up for adoption?
In Islam, the concept of adoption is different from what is traditionally understood in Western cultures. In Islam, adopting a child and giving them the family name and inheritance rights is considered haram or forbidden. This is because Islam recognizes the importance of maintaining lineage and blood ties.
However, Islam recognizes the importance of caring for children who are orphaned or abandoned. In fact, the act of caring for an orphan is highly encouraged and considered a noble deed in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself was an orphan and often emphasized the importance of caring for orphaned children.
Therefore, while it may not be permissible to legally adopt a child in the traditional sense, placing a child in a caring and loving environment through means such as fostering or kinship care is encouraged.
In cases where a child has no immediate family members who are able to care for them, giving the child up for adoption to a capable and responsible family may be a viable option. However, it is important to ensure that the adoption process is done in accordance with Islamic principles and that the child’s Islamic identity and upbringing are preserved.
While adoption in the traditional sense may not be permissible in Islam, there are alternative means of caring for orphaned or abandoned children that are encouraged. As long as the child’s Islamic identity and upbringing are preserved, placing a child in a loving and caring environment through means such as fostering or kinship care can be a noble and rewarding act.
Why is adoption allowed Islam?
Adoption is allowed in Islam because it is seen as a way to help and care for children who have been deprived of their natural parents. Islam highly emphasizes the importance of taking care of orphans and giving them a home, love, and proper care. Prophet Muhammad himself was an orphan and understood the struggles and needs of children who are without parents.
In Islamic law, adoption is not viewed as the same as legal adoption in the Western world. In Islam, adoption is referred to as ‘Kafalah’ which means ‘sponsorship’. This concept is defined as taking care of the child, providing him or her with all necessary means of support and making them feel like they are part of the family, but without changing their name, lineage, or inheritance rights.
The child’s biological parents will still be known and all legal ties will remain in place unless the biological parents give up their rights or they are found to be unfit parents by a court.
One of the reasons why Kafalah is preferred over legal adoption in Islam is to maintain the importance of lineage and avoid any chance of incestuous relationships. Islam is a religion that has great emphasis on maintaining family ties, and Kafalah allows for children to be taken into families without disrupting their lineage.
Furthermore, Islam encourages the preservation of the child’s identity, not only in terms of lineage but also their religious and cultural identity. Adoptive families must educate the child about their biological family’s origin and their faith, and respect their cultural and ethical values.
Islam allows for adoption through Kafalah because it is a way to provide care and support for children who need it most, while at the same time maintaining the importance of lineage and respecting the child’s identity and culture. It is also a way to fulfill the religious obligations and teachings on taking care of orphans, which is highly regarded in Islam.
What is the age limit for orphan in Islam?
In Islam, there is no specific age limit for an orphan. According to Islamic jurisprudence, an orphan is defined as a child who has lost one or both parents before reaching the age of puberty. The age of puberty varies for boys and girls and is generally considered to be around 12-14 years for females and 14-15 years for males.
Once an orphan reaches the age of puberty, they are considered to have reached the age of maturity and are no longer considered a minor in the eyes of the law. However, this does not mean that they are no longer eligible for support or assistance from their community.
Islam places a great emphasis on caring for orphans and providing them with the love, care, and support they need to grow and thrive. It is the responsibility of the community to take care of orphans and provide them with the same opportunities that any other child would have.
In many Muslim communities, there are organizations and charities that are dedicated to helping orphans and providing them with the resources they need to succeed in life. These organizations provide a range of services, including education, health care, and financial support.
Overall, there is no specific age limit for orphans in Islam. Instead, the focus is on providing them with the support and care they need to succeed in life, regardless of their age or circumstances. Through the efforts of the community, orphans can grow up with a sense of belonging and love, and go on to lead successful and fulfilling lives.
What are the rights of adopted child in Islam?
In Islam, adoption is not considered a legal or customary process in the Western sense. Instead, Islam has its own system of guardianship known as kafala. Under kafala, a Muslim can take care of and raise a child who is not biologically related to them, but the child does not become their legal heir or inherit their assets.
As a result, the rights of an adopted child in Islam somewhat differ from the rights of a biological child. However, Islam emphasizes the importance of treating all children with justice and fairness, regardless of their biological connection to their parents or guardians.
One of the most important rights of a child in Islam is the right to be treated with kindness and love. This applies to both biological and adopted children. As parents or guardians, it is our responsibility to provide a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment for our children, whether biological or adopted.
Another right of an adopted child in Islam is the right to know their biological family and their history. Although the adoption process is not the same in Islam as it is in the West, it is still important to recognize that every child has the right to know and understand their biological background.
Islam encourages us to be open and honest with our children about their origins, so they can better understand their identity and form a sense of belonging.
In terms of inheritance, an adopted child in Islam does not have the same legal rights as a biological child. Islamic inheritance laws are based on blood relations, and the shares of inheritance are assigned accordingly. Therefore, an adopted child does not inherit from their adopted parents, nor do they inherit from their biological parents or relatives.
However, Islam does encourage parents to make provisions for the financial future of their adopted children. This can be done through setting up trusts, endowments, or other forms of financial security that will ensure the child is provided for in the event of their parent’s death.
While the legal rights of an adopted child in Islam differ from those of a biological child, Islam emphasizes the importance of treating all children with kindness, love, and fairness. As parents or guardians, we must provide a safe and nurturing environment for our children, regardless of their biological connection to us.
We must also be open and honest with our children about their origins and make provisions for their financial future. With these principles in mind, we can ensure that all children are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve, regardless of their background or circumstances.
What are the instructions of Allah with regard to the adopted sons?
According to Islamic teachings, Allah has provided specific instructions regarding the treatment of adopted sons. In Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 4, it is mentioned that Allah has not made those whom you call your adopted sons as your own sons. Therefore, it is forbidden to treat them as one’s biological sons.
Islam has strict guidelines on how to approach the subject of adopted children. Muslims are encouraged to adopt children to provide them with a better life and to fulfill their responsibilities towards orphans. However, adoption in Islam is not like adoption in Western cultures. In Islam, it is not permissible to change the surname of the adopted child to that of the adoptive parents, nor is it allowed to deny the family name of the child’s biological father.
The child’s lineage and name should not be concealed, and they should be allowed to know and maintain their biological family ties.
Furthermore, Islam prohibits the practice of “adoption” itself. Muslims are encouraged to mentor and care for orphans but cannot legally adopt them as if it were their biological child. Instead, they are encouraged to take guardianship of the child and ensure their well-being until they come of age.
The guardianship of the child should come with the understanding that the child will be returned to their biological parents or family once they are able to take care of themselves.
Additionally, there are specific instructions regarding the treatment of the adopted son’s wife. In Surah Al-Ahzab, verse 37, it is mentioned that the adopted son’s wife is not considered a biological relative and should not be treated as such. Therefore, it is not permissible for a man to marry his adopted son’s wife, nor can they be in seclusion with each other, as they are considered non-mahram (not related through blood or marriage).
Allah has provided clear guidelines regarding the treatment of adopted children in Islam. Muslims are encouraged to provide care and support to orphans but must do so within the boundaries of Islamic teachings. Adopted children must be treated with kindness and love, but it is imperative not to try to replace their biological families.
Lastly, the treatment of an adopted son’s wife must also be according to Islamic teachings.
Is adoption mentioned in the Quran?
The Quran does not explicitly mention adoption, however, the concept of caring for orphan children is central in Islamic teachings. The Quran instructs Muslims to provide for the needs of the orphans and treat them with kindness and compassion. Islamic law also encourages and rewards those who take care of orphans by providing them with financial compensation and blessings from Allah.
The Islamic practice of caring for orphans does not involve full adoption, which includes replacing the biological parents with adoptive parents. Instead, Islamic law allows for a form of guardianship called kafala. Kafala involves taking responsibility for the care and upbringing of an orphan but without severing their ties to their biological family or changing their identity.
Kafala ensures that the orphan retains their lineage, inheritance rights, and respects the rights of the biological family. The guardianship is a mutual agreement between the guardian and the orphan’s family or court. In this agreement, the guardian is responsible for the child’s upbringing, living expenses, education, and emotional well-being.
The Islamic principle of kafala is based on the Prophet Muhammad’s example, who himself was an orphan and was aware of the challenges faced by those without parents’ care. Muhammad encouraged his followers to care for orphans, stating that the best Muslim is the one who cares for orphans and widows.
Although adoption is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran, the concept of caring for orphans is central in Islamic teachings. Islamic law provides guidance on how to care for orphans without involving full adoption, through a practice called kafala, which emphasizes preserving the lineage, identity, and rights of the orphan’s biological family while offering them love, care, and support.
Why can’t Muslims adopt children?
Muslims can absolutely adopt children, although there are some specific guidelines and restrictions in the Islamic faith regarding adoption. In Islam, there are two types of adoption – legal and customary. Legal adoption is the process whereby a child is formally adopted and takes on the legal identity of the adoptive family, including their surname.
Customary adoption, on the other hand, involves taking care of a child without legally adopting them, such as when a relative or family friend takes in an orphaned child.
One of the main restrictions on adoption in Islam is the preservation of lineage. Muslims believe that a child’s biological lineage must be preserved, so they are not allowed to change the child’s name, suppress their biological lineage, or give them the adoptive family’s name. This means that even if a Muslim family adopts a child, the child’s biological parents must still be acknowledged on all legal and official documents.
Another guideline is that the adopted child must be treated equally to the biological children in the family. This includes ensuring that the adopted child inherits from the adoptive family in the same way as the biological children do. This requires the adoptive parents to have a level of financial stability to ensure they are able to provide for all their children equally.
Lastly, Islam also considers the concept of mahram, which refers to individuals whom a Muslim is forbidden from marrying. If a couple adopts a child, and that child is not of the opposite gender to their biological children, the adopted child will be considered mahram to their adopted siblings, making it taboo for them to marry in the future.
Overall, while there are guidelines that Muslims must follow regarding adoption, there is no prohibition against adopting children altogether. In fact, Islam places a great emphasis on caring for and protecting orphans, and it is considered one of the greatest acts of charity to provide a home for a child who has lost their parents.
As long as the guidelines are carefully followed, Muslim families are able to adopt children and provide them with a loving and stable home.
