Shar‘i Principles and Etiquettes of Adopting a Child in Islam
Is it permissible to adopt a child (boy or girl)? Please provide Islamic guidance on this matter.
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakeel Nāṣir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
It is obligatory to attribute the child to their biological father, and this should be reflected in legal documents and general reference.
"ادْعُوهُمْ لِآبَائِهِمْ هُوَ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ اللَّهِ"
“Call them by (the names of) their fathers — that is more just in the sight of Allah.”
(Surah Al-Aḥzāb: 5)
Once the adopted child reaches puberty, ḥijāb becomes necessary where maḥram (non-marriageable) relationships are not established:
✔ If the adopted child is a girl and the adopting individual is a man, ḥijāb will become obligatory between them.
✔ If the adopted child is a boy and the adopting individual is a woman, ḥijāb will also become necessary.
If the child is adopted before the age of two, efforts should be made to establish a milk relationship:
✔ The adopting woman can breastfeed the child.
✔ If she is unable to breastfeed (e.g., due to infertility or other reasons), then:
If a milk relationship cannot be established, then the ḥijāb rulings must be fully observed after the child reaches puberty:
✔ In the case of an adopted boy, the adopting woman must observe ḥijāb once he matures.
✔ In the case of an adopted girl, the adopting man must observe proper Islamic boundaries and ḥijāb obligations.
❖ Adopting a boy or girl is permissible in Islam.
❖ However, it must be done while observing Shar‘i etiquettes, including:
➤ These guidelines ensure that the adoption does not lead to any violation of Islamic principles.
Question:
Is it permissible to adopt a child (boy or girl)? Please provide Islamic guidance on this matter.
Answer by:
Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakeel Nāṣir (ḥafiẓahullāh)
Yes, adopting a child is permissible
1. Ascribing the Child to Their Biological Father
It is obligatory to attribute the child to their biological father, and this should be reflected in legal documents and general reference.
"ادْعُوهُمْ لِآبَائِهِمْ هُوَ أَقْسَطُ عِندَ اللَّهِ"
“Call them by (the names of) their fathers — that is more just in the sight of Allah.”
(Surah Al-Aḥzāb: 5)
2. Observing the Rules of Ḥijāb (Veiling) Upon Maturity
Once the adopted child reaches puberty, ḥijāb becomes necessary where maḥram (non-marriageable) relationships are not established:
✔ If the adopted child is a girl and the adopting individual is a man, ḥijāb will become obligatory between them.
✔ If the adopted child is a boy and the adopting individual is a woman, ḥijāb will also become necessary.
3. Establishing a Maḥram Relationship Through Breastfeeding (Rijāʿah)
If the child is adopted before the age of two, efforts should be made to establish a milk relationship:
✔ The adopting woman can breastfeed the child.
✔ If she is unable to breastfeed (e.g., due to infertility or other reasons), then:
- Her mother or sister may breastfeed the adopted child to establish a legal maḥram bond.
- If the adopted child is a girl, the adopting man’s mother or sister may breastfeed her for the same purpose.
4. If Breastfeeding Is Not Possible
If a milk relationship cannot be established, then the ḥijāb rulings must be fully observed after the child reaches puberty:
✔ In the case of an adopted boy, the adopting woman must observe ḥijāb once he matures.
✔ In the case of an adopted girl, the adopting man must observe proper Islamic boundaries and ḥijāb obligations.
Summary:
❖ Adopting a boy or girl is permissible in Islam.
❖ However, it must be done while observing Shar‘i etiquettes, including:
- Ascribing the child to their biological father
- Observing ḥijāb rules after puberty
- Establishing a milk relationship (if within two years of age) to ease maḥram restrictions
➤ These guidelines ensure that the adoption does not lead to any violation of Islamic principles.
