Adoption and observing hijab in front of an adoptive father is a critical issue that requires a clear understanding of how Islam defines family, lineage, and privacy. While caring for orphans is one of the most noble acts in Islam, the legal rulings regarding interaction and dress codes depend entirely on whether a Mahram (unmarriageable) relationship exists.
This article clarifies the rules of modesty between an adopted daughter and her adoptive family, specifically focusing on the exception established by breastfeeding.
Fostering vs. Adoption: Preserving Lineage
In Islam, one is highly encouraged to look after and care for children who have no parents (Kafalah). However, Islam’s stance on adoption differs from the modern Western definition.
The Shari’ah stipulates that the child’s biological lineage must be preserved. The child retains their biological father’s name, and they must know who their real parents are.
Allah says in the Qur’an:
“Call them by [the names of] their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah…” (Surah Al-Ahzab, 33:5)
Because the legal lineage is not transferred, the automatic rights of inheritance do not apply (though they can be given a bequest), and the prohibitions of marriage differ from those of biological children. Consequently, an adopted child is technically a “stranger” (non-Mahram) to the adoptive family members of the opposite gender once they reach puberty.
The General Ruling on Hijab
Given the distinction above, the issue of hijab in the house must be given due regard.
Generally, an adopted daughter must observe hijab in the presence of her adoptive father and his mature sons once she reaches the age of puberty. Despite the emotional bond, they remain non-Mahrams to her in the eyes of Islamic law, meaning marriage between them would theoretically be permissible, and the rules of seclusion (Khulwah) apply.
The Exception: Breastfeeding (Rida’ah)
There is, however, a significant exception that changes this ruling entirely: breastfeeding.
If the adopted girl was breastfed by the wife of the adoptive father during her first two years of life (typically involving five satisfying feeds), a milk relationship is established.
In this case:
- The adoptive mother becomes her “milk mother.”
- The adoptive father becomes her “milk father.”
- The sons of the family become her “milk brothers.”
If this suckling took place according to Shari’ah conditions, the adoptive father and his sons become Mahrams to the adopted girl. Therefore, she would not be required to observe hijab in their presence, and she becomes a permanent member of the family in terms of privacy and marriage prohibition (though inheritance rules still remain separate).
Summary of Rights and Etiquette
If no breastfeeding occurred:
- Hijab: Required in front of the father and sons after puberty.
- Marriage: She can permissible marry the sons of the adoptive family.
- Privacy: Strict boundaries regarding seclusion must be maintained.
If breastfeeding occurred:
- Hijab: Not required.
- Marriage: She cannot marry the father or the sons (they are siblings).
- Privacy: She interacts with them as a biological daughter.
