Fostering in Islam

Looking after a child in need or an orphan is an act that is greatly encouraged in Islam. However there are a lot of misconceptions about the correct practice of fostering according to Islamic principles. This timely article gives the true picture of fostering in Islam, as well as important factors to be taken account in the provision of foster-care for Muslim children in the UK today.

In Islam great emphasis is given to looking after an orphan child, and as has been stated in the Qur’an and in several hadith reports, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was himself an orphan, having lost both of his parents by the age of six. Also the Prophet ﷺ  was known to have brought up Zayd ibn Harith from a young age. Zayd, honoured as the only prophetic companion (sahabi) mentioned by name in the Qur’an, was not an orphan but a freed slave of the Prophet ﷺ, whom he had adopted. However, when regulations to adoption were revealed, he was told to retain his father’s name, while still being treated as if a son. This points to the fact that, in Islam, fostering is allowed, even encouraged, but within certain prescribed limits.

The Practice of Adoption in Islam

An adopted child keeps the family name of his biological parents and does not change it to that of his or her adoptive parents. Also, the child would inherit from his biological parents and not from his adoptive parents (though they could make a bequest for him or her), and furthermore, any wealth received from the biological family would belong entirely to them and not to their adoptive parents.

When the child reaches puberty, members of the adoptive family will not be classified as mahram (un-marriagable kin). This would mean, for instance, that an adopted son would not be religiously prohibited from marrying his foster sister, provided they had not both been breastfed by the same woman. Of course, this does not mean that such a marriage would be culturally acceptable or desirable!

To sum it up: Muslims are allowed to foster children, but unrestricted adoption is not permitted. The wisdom behind this is based on the fact that one of the objectives of the Islamic sacred law (Shari’ah) is to protect a person’s right to their lineage, which is an unalterable and integral aspect of their existence. The act of fostering or adoption cannot therefore change matters such as name, inheritance, or permitted degrees of marriage that are based on one’s lineage.

The Virtue of Looking After Orphans

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The best house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are well treated. The worst house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are ill-treated. I and the guardian of the orphan will be in the Garden like that”, indicating with his two fingers.

The Prophet ﷺ said, “It is an obligation for all true Muslims to take care of the children of family and friends in the event those children are orphaned.”

He also said, “The best Muslim house is that in which an orphan is benefited; and the worst Muslim house is that in which an orphan is ill-treated.”

Fostering Muslims in the UK

Foster Care Link is an organisation established in the UK in 1998 to cater for Muslim children who need foster homes. According to them there are 58,000 children every year placed in foster care, and from these 10,000 are from Muslim, Asian, Black and Ethnic Minority communities. There is usually a shortage in foster carers and a greater need to find fosterers for children from these communities.

A Foster Care Link document has been issued to emphasise to social workers the need to place Muslim children with Muslim foster carers. The document first started out by stating that people in general do not know what it means to be a Muslim. So, placing a child in the care of people who are not Muslim, may confuse him or her; and furthermore, experience has shown that this can give rise to identity issues. Also when they become independent they may possibly have problems integrating with the Muslim community.

The reason for this is twofold. Firstly, Islam has many practical teachings that impact upon a person’s life; from cleaning oneself after using the bathroom, to dietary requirements and praying and fasting, there are many aspects that would be usually be considered extremely burdensome for a foster parent to learn in order to teach a child, whilst not practising upon them himself. Even if this obstacle were to be surmounted, an even thornier problem remains: the question of inculcating an Islamic worldview. This is something that a child absorbs through their parents’ reactions and explanations to countless situations over many years. It is not just a case of explaining a few beliefs, but runs much deeper than that. The almost inevitable result, therefore, of being brought up in the household of people following another religion is that the child takes up the new beliefs as his or her own, or becomes very confused about their identity.

Solving the Identity Problem

Because of the dangers related to identity given above, an article by the family finding service ‘Be My Parent’ mentioned that it was important to place children with families of ethnic and cultural background similar to their origins, as well as with families that have the same religion. Also they said that finding the right family for children is always a complex and sensitive issue, however in the case of children who come from a minority ethnic background it is even more difficult.

The development of the identity of children in general is a very crucial issue. However, for children who are fostered it becomes especially important to make sure it is not impeded by their experiences. It is therefore imperative to place children with families who can understand their culture and religion and develop it, leading to a robust identity and strong sense of self-esteem. This will only lead in the long-term to more well-rounded individuals and families, as well as more healthy and cohesive communities.

Visit the website of Foster Care Link to find out more about fostering Muslim orphans and vulnerable children in the UK.

Farzana Aslam