Foster care is a temporary living arrangement provided by the State for children when the biological parents are no longer able to provide a safe environment to a child. The State intervenes through CPS (Child Protective Services) and takes over the legal and physical custody of the child and temporarily places them in the custody of a licensed foster parent or a relative approved by the State, while the court investigates the abuse and negligence charges/allegations against the parents.

Taking care of a vulnerable child and assuming guardianship is encouraged in Islam and is referred to as ‘Kafalah’ which literally means “to feed” is best translated as “foster care”. Islamically it is not permissible for an adopted child to be the adoptive parents’ real child. Foster Care is an established system in Islam which played an active role in the life of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Fostering and caring for needy children was exemplified by Islam’s greatest and final Prophet – the Prophet Muhammad We receive multiple examples of how we can implement this in our own lives.

For example, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself, was not raised by his parents. Instead, he was raised in the home of his father’s brother, Abu Talib. Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is known to have raised Zayd (May Allah be pleased with him) like his own child. In fact, people had started referring to him as Zayd Ibn Muhammad, which in English means, Zayd – the son of Muhammad. This continued until Allah revealed the rules regarding lineage, and clarified that a

child is to use their biological parents name as their last name – no matter where they were raised or by whom.

Many of our prophets including Musa (AS) was raised by Pharaoh’s (Fir’awn) wife Asiya, who made Musa as her adopted son. Even our greatest scholars Imam Shafi’i, Imam Bukhari and Imam Suyuti (may Allah have mercy on them all) were also orphans who were well taken care of by a loving and generous community. When Quraish was suffering severe economic difficulties, including drought and hunger, Abu Talib opened his home to several children and brought them under his care. In order to eleviate the financial burden for his uncle, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sought help from another one of his uncles, Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him). Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) suggested that he should take one of the children from under the care of Abu Talib into their own homes. Abu Talib agreed with the suggestion, and placed one child in the care of Abbas, and one in the care of Prophet Muhammad (-) ﷺ and this is how Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) entered the house of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (),ﷺ and was therefore, raised by him.

Islam places such an importance on the wellbeing of children and addresses care and concern for all children in need especially those without parents, through many stories. In fact, the Quran itself explains and emphasizes in multiple places about how to care for children without parents and that they are our responsibility – “And do good to parents, relatives, orphans and the poor” Quran 2: 83.

Foster care needs for children from muslim communities is increasing with the growing number of muslim population in America. Islam praises the individuals that seek to help those in need and distress, especially those that are the most weak and vulnerable of society. Sadly, however, there are times when children entering the Foster Care System, erroneously find themselves abandoned by society. It is a necessity for the current and future well-being of these children who deserve a stable, loving home. The lives of these devastated children are propelled into absolute chaos for reasons that may be beyond their understanding or control. FATE encourages all Muslims to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by opening their hearts and fulfilling the beautiful Sunnah of Kafala.

For example, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) himself, was not raised by his parents. Instead, he was raised in the home of his father’s brother, Abu Talib. Furthermore, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) is known to have raised Zayd (May Allah be pleased with him) like his own child. In fact, people had started referring to him as Zayd Ibn Muhammad, which in English means, Zayd – the son of Muhammad. This continued until Allah revealed the rules regarding lineage, and clarified that a

child is to use their biological parents name as their last name – no matter where they were raised or by whom.

Many of our prophets including Musa (AS) was raised by Pharaoh’s (Fir’awn) wife Asiya, who made Musa as her adopted son. Even our greatest scholars Imam Shafi’i, Imam Bukhari and Imam Suyuti (may Allah have mercy on them all) were also orphans who were well taken care of by a loving and generous community. When Quraish was suffering severe economic difficulties, including drought and hunger, Abu Talib opened his home to several children and brought them under his care. In order to eleviate the financial burden for his uncle, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) sought help from another one of his uncles, Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him). Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) suggested that he should take one of the children from under the care of Abu Talib into their own homes. Abu Talib agreed with the suggestion, and placed one child in the care of Abbas, and one in the care of Prophet Muhammad (-) ﷺ and this is how Ali (May Allah be pleased with him) entered the house of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (),ﷺ and was therefore, raised by him.

Islam places such an importance on the wellbeing of children and addresses care and concern for all children in need especially those without parents, through many stories. In fact, the Quran itself explains and emphasizes in multiple places about how to care for children without parents and that they are our responsibility – “And do good to parents, relatives, orphans and the poor” Quran 2: 83.