Raising a Foundling
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Fatwa No. ( 15308 )
Q: A woman went to one of the hospitals in the Kingdom and took a girl to raise in her home (and this girl was found as a foundling). She raised her, and whenever someone asked her, she said: “My daughter.” The girl also says to this woman: “O my mother,” and to the woman’s husband: “O my father,” and to their children: “O my brothers and sisters,” and to the maternal uncle: “O my uncle,” and to the grandfather: “O my grandfather.” What is your opinion, Your Eminence, regarding this? Does she have the right to inheritance? And is it permissible for the woman’s children to marry this girl? Please inform us; may Allah reward you.
A: Taking a foundling boy or girl and raising them with good upbringing, nurturing them in Islamic manners, and accustoming them to good morals and good deeds is a praiseworthy act. It is hoped that whoever does this seeking the reward of Allah the Exalted will receive a great reward and a good recompense. However, the foundling is not considered the son of the one who raised him and treated him well, and he does not inherit from him. It is permissible for the son of the one who raised a foundling girl to marry her through the court, provided there is no legal breastfeeding from the foundling or anyone else that prevents this. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: A woman went to one of the hospitals in the Kingdom and took a girl to raise in her home (and this girl was found as a foundling). She raised her, and whenever someone asked her, she said: “My daughter.” The girl also says to this woman: “O my mother,” and to the woman’s husband: “O my father,” and to their children: “O my brothers and sisters,” and to the maternal uncle: “O my uncle,” and to the grandfather: “O my grandfather.” What is your opinion, Your Eminence, regarding this? Does she have the right to inheritance? And is it permissible for the woman’s children to marry this girl? Please inform us; may Allah reward you.
A: Taking a foundling boy or girl and raising them with good upbringing, nurturing them in Islamic manners, and accustoming them to good morals and good deeds is a praiseworthy act. It is hoped that whoever does this seeking the reward of Allah the Exalted will receive a great reward and a good recompense. However, the foundling is not considered the son of the one who raised him and treated him well, and he does not inherit from him. It is permissible for the son of the one who raised a foundling girl to marry her through the court, provided there is no legal breastfeeding from the foundling or anyone else that prevents this. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.