Faith of a child (adoption case)

Faith of a child (adoption case)

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