Giving Your Child Up for Adoption in Islam

If you’re currently facing an unplanned pregnancy, it’s reasonable to assume there’s a lot going through your mind. It’s a stressful time in anyone’s life, and having strong religious beliefs can add to your sense of confusion. If you’re wondering about giving your child up for adoption in Islam, you aren’t alone. For a pregnant Muslim woman, putting baby up for adoption may come with an additional set of questions, and this article exists to help you answer them.

Our adoption specialists are also always available to provide the support you need as you consider your unplanned pregnancy options. You can call 1-800-ADOPTION any time for free, confidential, no-obligation information about adoption. Please note, however, that you should defer to your religious leader for expert advice about adoption and Islam.  

In Islam, Can I "Give a Child Up" for Adoption?

If you’re having recurring thoughts like, "I'm not ready to be a parent," or "I don't want my baby," Islam guidelines do allow for adoption. Traditionally, however, it’s a little different from the Western practice. In Islam, a child’s biological relatives will usually be first in line to provide care if the biological parents cannot. When Muslim parents adopt a baby, the adoptive family does not simply replace the biological family. If a child is less than two years old, he or she may become mahram to the adoptive family, meaning he or she isn’t permitted to marry someone else in the family because of their close relationship. Typically, a Muslim child who is adopted still has inheritance rights from his or her biological parents, although the adoptive parents can choose to write him or her into their estate as well.

However, this is not to say that for a pregnant Muslim woman, putting baby up for adoption cannot follow more modern-day Western practices while still remaining loyal to the Islam faith. It’s also important to note that, for Muslim women who are concerned about “zina,” or unlawful sexual intercourse, adoption may allow your child to grow up without the stigma of being born out of wedlock.

Ultimately, you are the only person who can decide whether adoption is right for you and your baby, and that may depend in part on how you interpret Islam’s views on adoption. We recommend learning as much as you can about the adoption process to decide for yourself if it aligns with your principles.

At American Adoptions, your adoption specialist will work to understand your religious beliefs and values and ensure they are respected throughout the process. You are in charge of your adoption experience, and our professionals will help you create an adoption plan that you’re comfortable with and that aligns with your faith.

Benefits of Giving Your Child Up for Adoption in Islam

American Adoptions does work with Muslim couples who are hoping to adopt within the faith. There are several benefits to placing your baby with those families, particularly in the beliefs that you will share, which include:

• The belief in one God (Allah) who alone should be worshipped and served.

• The belief that the Quran is Allah’s final revelation to the Prophet Muhammad, revealed by the angel Gabriel over roughly 23 years.

• The belief that the day of judgement will come, and everyone will be either rewarded or punished based on their deeds.

• The belief that Allah has a plan, and everything that happens is according to His will.

• The belief in the five pillars of Islam — the Declaration of Faith, daily prayer, Zakah, the fast of Ramadan, and the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

If you’re interested in searching adoptive families based on religion through our website, this tool is invaluable. Your adoption specialist can also help you search for additional families whose values and beliefs match your own.

It’s also important to remember that, for a pregnant Muslim woman putting baby up for adoption, the same adoption benefits that apply to other pregnant women apply to you as well. These include, but certainly aren’t limited to:

• Continuing to pursue educational or career goals

• Knowing your baby is financially provided for

• Knowing your baby is being raised in a safe, stable and loving home

• Remaining in your child’s life through open adoption or semi-open adoption

• Access to both financial and emotional support during and after pregnancy

No matter what you envision for your child, American Adoptions can help you to make that a reality without breaking with your faith. To learn more about giving your child up for adoption in Islam, please contact us at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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