Islam encourages the upbringing and responsibility of orphans. However, it prohibits the removal of the identity of the foster child.
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What does Islam say about foster children? |
Islam encourages the upbringing and responsibility of orphans. However, it prohibits the removal of the identity of the foster child. Therefore, the foster child will identify himself with his father's name, or if the father's name is not known, he will identify himself with his mother's name. But the foster child will not identify himself with his father's name.
Do not remove the identity of the father.
It is forbidden in Islam to knowingly deny the identity of one's father. It is narrated from Abu Zar (RA), 'Whoever knowingly assumes the identity of another person other than his father has committed kufr. Whoever assumes the identity of a tribe to which he has no relation, let him take his place in Hell.' (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3317, and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 61)
Harm of calling others father
There are some religious harms in denying one's own father and calling others father.One of which is accepting the halal as haram and the haram as halal.
For example
1. Marriage with the child of the foster father: Islam has made the marriage of the foster father and his adopted child lawful. However, if the father introduces them, marriage with them is considered haram.
2. Inheritance: Islam has determined the share of property only for the adopted child.
However, by introducing someone as the father, sometimes a person becomes a part of the property, which is a direct cause of oppression and conflict.
3. Erasure of lineage: Islam places special importance on preserving lineage and bloodline. Calling someone father cannot preserve it.
How to accept orphans
Allah has asked us to accept orphans as our brothers and sisters in Islam. It has been said, ‘They ask you about the orphans.
Say, “Rehabilitate them, for if you live with them, they are your brothers.” (Surah: Al-Baqarah, verse: 220)May Allah grant everyone the ability to understand the religion. Amen.
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