Q. "In the
secular legal system, adoption of a child by couples is lawful as we all
know. Please elucidate the position of Shariah in this regard. How far
such an adoption is permissible in Islam, and if so, what are the rights
and obligations of the parties involved in such a situation?" (Yousuf
Ghani, New York)
A. Adoption of a child has no legal effect in Shariah. One can
adopt a child for his emotional and phychological satisfaction. He can
treat him as his own son in the matters of love, affection and general
behavior. Adoption of a child to provide shelter to him is a virtuous
deed which carries much reward in the Hereafter. But so far as the legal
aspects are concerned, adoption has no consequence. The child should not
be attributed except to the natural father, and not to the one who has
adopted him. Even in the matter or hijab adoption has no effact whatsoever.
If a male child is adopted by a woman, She will observe hijab from him
after he reaches the age of puberty, unless she is related to him in a
prohibited degree. An adopted child can marry a daughter of his adoptive
parents, because she is not his real sister. In short, adoption does not
creat a new legal relationship which did not exist before.
All these rules are inferred from the principle laid down by the Holy
Qur'an in this respect. The people in jahiliyyah used to treat an adopted
child at the real one in all respects. The Holy Qur'an condemned this
practice and the following verses were revealed :
"And Allah did not make your adopted children your sons. That
is only your words coming out from your tongues. And Allah says the truth
and He guides you to the right path. Call them with reference to their
(real) fathers. It is more just in the sight of Allah." (Surah 33:V4)
However, it should be remembered that although an adopted child cannot
inherit from his adoptive father, but it is permi- ssible, rather advisable,
for him that he, in his lifetime, makes a will in favour of his adopted
son. Through such a will he can bequeath upto one third of his property
to his adopted child who cannot otherwise share his inheritance.
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