Adopted Son: Is He A Mahram To His Adopting 'Mother'?
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Question
I was wondering, if a couple adopts a child, would the child still be non-mahram for the woman if it was a boy or for vice-versa for the man. If so, then the woman would have to still wear hijab if the child was a boy when he hit puberty? and would not be able to touch him? and the same for the man (with respect to being around a non-mahram woman) if the child was a girl?Answer
Assalamu alaykum
In the name of Allah the Inspirer of truth.
Yes, the male child that is adopted will become a non-mahram for the women after reaching puberty and she will be obligated to observe hijab from him just as from any other non-mahram male person. It will not be permitted for her to touch him either.
Likewise is the ruling for the man. The adopted girl will have to observe hijab from him, and he will be obligated to follow the same rulings with her just as with any other non-mahram female, for example lowering the gaze and prohibition of being alone in a room or touching her, etc.
The reason for this is that this child is considered a "stranger" for them, since there is no blood or milk relationship. Yes if the child was breastfed by the adopting mother before it reached the age of two then these restrictions will not apply.
And Allah knows best.
Abdurrahman ibn Yusuf
This answer was published by SunniPath and is preserved as written. Rulings can depend on circumstances; for your own situation, consult a qualified scholar.
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