Ruling on Adoption (Mutabanna: Treating Someone as a Son)

Source: Derived from the fatwas of Haramain scholars, as compiled in the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.

Question:​

A married woman asks if it is permissible for her to adopt a child and attribute him to herself and her husband, especially when Allah has not blessed them with offspring. She further inquires about the attributes of the child to be adopted, such as whether the child is an orphan with known but deceased parents or one with unknown parentage.

Answer:​

Adopting a child and attributing him to oneself or one’s spouse is not permissible in Islam. This practice was common during the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah), but Islam abolished it, declaring it invalid and prohibiting it.

Key Points:​

1. Maintaining True Lineage:
   
   • The child remains unrelated to the adoptive parents and is considered a stranger (ajnabi).
   • Islam mandates that every child be attributed to their biological parents, not the adoptive ones. Allah says:
     "And He has not made your adopted sons your [true] sons. That is [merely] your saying by your mouths. But Allah says the truth, and He guides to the
     way. Call them by [the names of] their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah."
     [Surah Al-Ahzab (33:4-5)]​
     
     ​
   
   [*]Prohibition of False Attribution:
   
   

   • Attributing the adopted child to oneself or one’s spouse goes against justice and distorts the lineage, which is strongly discouraged in Islam.

   [*]Caring for Orphans and Children in Need:
   
   

   • While treating the child as one’s own and changing their lineage is prohibited, taking care of orphans and children without guardians is highly encouraged in Islam.
   • Raising such children with kindness and compassion holds great rewards, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:
     "I and the one who cares for an orphan will be in Paradise like this," indicating closeness with his forefinger and middle finger.
     [Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 5304]

   [*]Responsibilities Without Adoption:
   
   

   • Muslims are encouraged to provide for, educate, and raise children who are orphans or lack proper care without attributing them falsely.
   • This ensures the child’s rights are maintained, and Islamic principles are followed.

Conclusion:​

Adopting a child by attributing them to oneself or one’s spouse is prohibited in Islam. However, caring for orphans and children in need, while preserving their true lineage, is an act of great virtue and reward. Muslims must avoid this prohibited practice while embracing acts of kindness and charity within the boundaries of Shariah.​