Does Islam support adoption?

Commonly people think that adoption is not allowed in the Islam. However, the reality is that the thing Islam preaches is superior to what people may think about it. In adoption, one cannot change the last name (family or father) or the adopted child. However, the Prophet said, the best house of Muslims is the one where an orphan is taken care of. The Prophet was himself an orphan. In the Koran, Allah tells the holy Prophet to take care of orphans by reminding him of his own time.

Allah says, “Did He not find you an orphan and gave you shelter? And He found you wandering, and He gave you guidance. And He found you in need, and made you independent. Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness, nor drive away a petitioner (unheard). But the bounties of the Lord rehearse and proclaim them!”

From the above mentioned ayat, it is clear that the Prophet is being advised to take care of orphans and raise them with kindness. The Prophet is being directed to follow the quality of Allah (kindness) when dealing with fatherless children. Almighty Allah also discussed the strengths He gave the Prophet and He tells the Prophet to help an orphan with shelter, guidance and being independent.

However, Islam does not allow a person to change the name of the adopted sons. Zayed bin Harithah was the adopted child of the Holy Prophet . When Allah decided for the Prophet to marry Hazrat Zainab, He gifted these ayat to the Holy Prophet so that he may be clear about his biological relation with Zayed Bin Harithah.

The Koran says, “When Zaid had accomplished his want of her, we gave her to you as a wife, so that there should be no intricacy for the believers about the wives of their adopted sons, when they have accomplished their want of them and Allah's command shall be performed.”

The above mentioned ayah indicates an important thing about adoption and how it is not a biological relation at all and how the fear of God should be the only motive for such things. He is the most Merciful and expects kindness for the weak and poor.

Taking care of a child is a very noble deed in Islam but does not bound one to the obligations that a biological relation brings, as this makes it easy for both the provider and the orphan, and for the natural parent as well.

Below are the fourth and the fifth ayat of Sura Al Ahzab in the holy Koran. Allah says, “Nor has He made your adopted sons as your (biological) sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech by your mouths. But Allah tells (you) the Truth, and He shows the (right) Way. Call them by (the names of) their fathers; that is just in the sight of Allah. But if you know not their father's (name, call them) your brothers in faith or your trustees. But there is no blame on you, if you make a mistake therein. (What counts is) the intention of your hearts. And Allah is Oft Returning, Most Merciful.”

Muslims should keep in mind that Islam is the only true religion and everything in the religion is natural and not based on superficial stories. Allah has made life easy for us and we should not complicate it for ourselves and others and we must follow Islam.

Source: Islam.ru/en