Q: Because of his sterility, a man adopted a child, brought him up, and registered him in his family record. Moreover, he issued him the required legal and official document, which gave him a share of his inheritance. Is it permissible for him to adopt this child and register him under his name in order not to expose the truth, which may affect the boy's psychology or drive him insane if he knows that he is not a legal child of that man? Could you kindly advise? May Allah reward you. Is it permissible to adopt him officially? What is the ruling if we take him off the family record; is it permissible to give him a share of the inheritance?

(Part No. 20; Page No. 352) A: Adoption of the child you mentioned and registering him in the official documents of your family record in order for him to inherit you is a plain error. It is also a type of violating the limits set by Allah and cheating the officials by giving them false information. Adoption is not permissible in Islam because of the Saying of Allah (Exalted be He), Allâh has not made for any man two hearts inside his body. Neither has He made your wives whom you declare to be like your mothers’ backs, your real mothers. [az-Zihâr is the saying of a husband to his wife, "You are to me like the back of my mother" i.e. You are unlawful for me to approach], nor has He made your adopted sons your real sons. That is but your saying with your mouths. But Allâh says the truth, and He guides to the (Right) Way. Call them (adopted sons) by (the names of) their fathers: that is more just with Allâh. But if you know not their father’s (names, call them) your brothers in faith and Mawâlîkum (your freed slaves). Giving false information is not permissible as it is fabrication and mere lies. All these are prohibited matters as substantiated by numerous proofs mentioned in their positions. What you have done does not make him your real son and does not give him the right to inherit from you. You have to repent to Allah and correct the official documents, may Allah forgive you your sins and ours too. May Allah reward you for bringing up this child and supporting him financially. If you assign him something in a form of bequest from a third of your wealth, it will be good and (Part No. 20; Page No. 353) if you give him a gift, it will be better if he is in need, to complete and perfect your benevolence to him. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.