Title: I would like to know if we can change parentage of the adopted child

Question: I would like to know if we can change parentage of the adopted child. We live in Dubai and are planning to adopt a child but due to visa and other issues it will be much easier for us to change the parentage of the child. Will it be ok? If not, then what are the options? Also guide what is best to adopt a baby boy or girl. We intend to tell him/her everything in future and have no intension to hide his real parentage. How should he/she should be addressed in front of everyone in his childhood as once he is grown up it is ok but in childhood it will be different.

Answer ID: 36513Posted on: Aug 30, 2020

Bismillah hir-Rahman nir-Rahim !

(Fatwa: 539/D=62/File-D=1433) (1) The adopted child is not like a real son. The rulings of inheritance and purdah are not for him like a real one. It is also forbidden to write the name of someone else as his father. (2) The hadith speaks about the virtues which one gets by nourishing a daughter and providing her religious teachings, hence it shall be better. However, you should consider what would be better for you whether a boy or a girl. Or seek the advice of any well wisher who is aware of your situation. No objection would arise if you do not change his/her parent name. However, there is no harm if they just call you mother or father or you say them daughter or son.