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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 familymeaning 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.

Disclaimer
Information available through these links is the sole property of the companies and organizations listed therein. American Adoptions provides this information as a courtesy and is in no way responsible for its content or accuracy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

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