Faith of a Child (Adoption Case)
Question
I have two queries in relation to an adoption case that need clarification in light of Islamic principles:
(1) How will the faith status of a newborn child be determined? Would the same ruling apply if the couple are not married?
(2) A non-Muslim lady claims she has converted to Islam. Subsequently she has a child and makes no claim contrary to this conversion. Will the child be regarded a Muslim?
Answer
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
In the Name of Allah The Most Beneficent The Most Merciful
(1) When a child is born, his faith status is considered as of his parents. Thus, if the parents are Muslim the child will automatically be a Muslim. If the woman who bore the child is not married, the child’s faith status will depend on the mother’s faith.
(2) Yes, the child will be regarded a Muslim.
If you require further information or clarification, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Yusuf Shabbir
2 Dhū al-Ḥijjah 1428 / 11 December 2007