Religion Desk: Islam has encouraged fostering and taking responsibility for orphans. However, the removal of the identity of the foster child is prohibited. Therefore, the foster child will introduce himself by the name of his father, if the name of the father is not known, he will introduce himself by the name of the mother. But the foster father will not identify himself.
Child
It is forbidden in Islam to deny the identity of one's father, knowing that it will not erase the identity of the father. Narrated by Abu Dharr (R.A.), 'Whoever knowingly takes the identity of another person, excluding his father, commits blasphemy. Whoever introduces himself to a tribe with whom he has no connection, let him take his place in Hell.' (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith: 3317 and Sahih Muslim, Hadith: 61)
Disadvantages of calling others father
There is some religious harm in calling another father while denying one's own father.
One of which is accepting halal as haram and haram as halal. For example –
1. Marriage with children of foster father: Islam has legalized the marriage of a foster father and the foster child of his unborn child. But if the father introduces himself, marriage with them must be declared haram.
2. Inheritance: Islam prescribes the share of property only for the begotten children. But by identifying someone as a father, sometimes people become part of the property, which is a direct cause of oppression and conflict.
3. Annihilation of genealogy: Islam places special importance on preservation of genealogy and bloodline. Calling another father does not preserve it.
How to accept orphans
Allah has asked orphans to be accepted as two brothers or sisters. It is said, 'They ask you about the orphans.
You say their rehabilitation is better. If you are together with them, they are your brothers.' (Surah: Baqarah, verse: 220)
May Allah grant everyone understanding. Amen.