What is the definition of forbidden adoption in Islam?
In Islam, the term “forbidden adoption” refers to the practice of adopting a child in a way that implies a complete and permanent change in lineage and parentage, making the adopted child appear as if they are a biological child in terms of inheritance, lineage rights, and family name. This type of adoption, where the child is given the same status as a biological child and their lineage is altered, is prohibited in Islam, The prohibition of this form of adoption is based on the principle of maintaining and preserving lineage, which is an important aspect of Islamic law. Islamic regulations tie the importance of biological lineage for various legal reasons, such as determining inheritance rights, maintaining family ties, and preserving genealogical records. While adoption, as it is commonly understood in Western societies, is not allowed in Islam, Islamic teachings emphasize the concept of guardianship and care for orphaned or needy children. Islamic teachings encompass the importance of providing love, support, and a nurturing environment to such children, who are often vulnerable due to the loss of parental guidance and care. Islamic teachings encourage individuals and communities to undertake the responsibility of guardianship for orphaned or needy children, maintaining their biological lineage and identity intact, and ensuring their emotional and intellectual well-being, Therefore, while adoption in the sense of altering lineage and inheritance is forbidden, Islam encourages the concept of legal guardianship, where individuals take on the responsibility of caring for and raising orphaned or needy children without changing their lineage or inheritance rights.
Note:
Adoption in the sense of changing one’s identity and lineage for a false lineage is prohibited in Islam. However, it is allowed for Muslims to adopt a child in the sense of taking him/her under his/her wing for providing both physical and spiritual care for him/her.
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 6005
Narrated Sahl bin Sa`d:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “I and the person who looks after an orphan and provides for him, will be in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together.
Now Why did Prophet Muhammad marry Lady Zaynab bint Jahsh?
Zayd ibn Harithah was an adopted son of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him before Prophet Muhammad was chosen as the final Prophet of Allah to mankind. This means Before Prophet Muhammad was chosen as the Prophet of Allah, Zayd was chosen at the age of 40 years of age to be the last and final Prophet of Allah to mankind. One of the wisdoms Allah Exalted He behind prophethood and forbidding adoption in Islam is to prevent Muslims from taking on kinship roles like the biological kinship roles of that man or woman. Adopted sons or daughters by a man or woman are NOT their biological children and sisters or brothers and mothers or fathers.
- The adopted kids will share the biological children in relation to marriage. Adopted sons or daughters by a man or woman are NOT their biological children and sisters or brothers and mothers or fathers.
- When the adopted kids grow up there will be complications in relation to marriage. Adopted sons or daughters by a man or woman are NOT their biological children and sisters or brothers and mothers or fathers.
Quran 33:37
And [remember, O Muhammad], when you said to the one on whom Allah bestowed favor and you bestowed favor, “Keep your wife and fear Allah ,” while you concealed within yourself that which Allah is to disclose. And you feared the people, while Allah has more right that you fear Him. So when Zayd had no longer any need for her, We married her to you in order that there not be upon the believers any discomfort concerning the wives of their adopted sons when they no longer have need of them. And ever is the command of Allah accomplished.
Explanation:
The Prophet knew from Allah that Zayd eventually would divorce Lady Zaynab in the future. However, the Prophet tried to reconcile between Zayd and Lady Zaynab, hoping that those marital problems would end. Prophet Mohamed continued to reconcile between them because there were no actual Quranic verses revealed from Allah Exalted. He regarded the occurrence of divergence between Zayd bin Harithah or any instructions to Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him to Mary Lady Zaynab bint Jahsh YET. Also, the Prophet advised Zayd to fix his marital problems; those problems were known publically to some of the Muslim community. On the contrary, those marital problems were an internal issue between Zayd ibn Harithah and Lady Zaynab bint Jahsh. This means the Prophet did not order Zayd, who is NOT his son, by adoption anymore, to divorce anyone. However, once the divorce occurred, Allah Exalted held Prophet Muhammad to marry Lady Zaynab for many reasons such as legislative reasons, e.g., No adoption in Islamic theology. On the other wisdom to Prophet Muhammad’s marriage to Lady Zaynab bint Jahsh:
Prophet Muhammad’s Marriage to Zaynab: Wisdoms Unveiled
Strengthening Family Ties:
- Lady Zaynab was the cousin of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as they both belonged to the Banu Hashim clan. By marrying Zaynab, the Prophet emphasized the importance of maintaining close familial ties and fostering unity within the community.
Removing Societal Barriers:
- Zaynab had previously been married to Prophet Muhammad’s adopted son, Zaid ibn Harithah, who was a former slave. The dissolution of their marriage paved the way for the Prophet to marry her, breaking societal norms and demonstrating that one’s lineage or social standing should not be a barrier to marriage or social acceptance.
Teaching Equality:
- The marriage of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Zaynab demonstrated the Islamic principle of equality between men and women. Zaynab was a strong and influential woman actively participating in community affairs, and her marriage to the Prophet highlighted the importance of gender equality and respect for women’s rights within the community of believers. Zaynab was a strong and influential woman actively participating in community affairs, and her marriage to the Prophet highlighted the importance of gender equality and respect for women’s rights within the community of believers.
Exemplifying Forgiveness:
- The circumstances surrounding the marriage of Prophet Muhammad and Zaynab included a divine revelation (Surah Al-Ahzab) instructing the Prophet to marry her. This revelation also served as a lesson in forgiveness, as it demonstrated that individuals can move past personal disputes or mistakes for the greater good and the unity of the Muslim community.
Overcoming Cultural Prejudices:
- Zaynab belonged to the Quraysh tribe, which held a position of prestige in Arab society. By marrying Zaynab, the Prophet aimed to dispel cultural prejudices and tribal arrogance, showcasing that character and faith were more important than social status or tribal affiliations. These are some of the wisdoms and lessons that can be derived from the marriage of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to Lady Zaynab. Their union carries multiple dimensions, serving as an example of social equality, spiritual unity, and moral principles in Islam.
Marriage in Islam: Does the girl’s consent matter
📖Sunan Ibn Majah 1871
It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that:
the Messenger of Allah said: “A previously-married woman should not be married until she is consulted, and a virgin should not be married until her consent is sought, and her consent is her silence.
- In this hadith and the Qur’an Surah Al-Ahzab 50, it is clearly mentioned that it is not permissible to marry without permission. Based on this, we can understand that when Allah revealed the verse, Prophet Muhammad sent an invitation for marriage, and Lady Zaynab accepted the invitation. Subsequently, the marriage took place.
𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 6766, 6767
Narrated Sa`d: I heard the Prophet (ﷺ) saying, “Whoever claims to be the son of a person other than his father, and he knows that person is not his father, then Paradise will be forbidden for him.” I mentioned that to Abu Bakra, and he said, “My ears heard that and my heart memorized it from Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ).
- In Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith 6766 and 6767, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) clearly states that falsely attributing paternity is forbidden, and Paradise is prohibited for those who knowingly do so. This underscores the Islamic stance against claiming someone as a son when they are not biologically related. Adoption, altering lineage, and hiding a child’s true parentage are deemed illegal and dishonest in Islam. While assisting orphans is encouraged, it is emphasized that the adopted child must retain their true identity and connection to their original parents. This hadith highlights the importance of honesty and respect for lineage in Islamic teachings.
