In Islam, parentage is considered an important matter, as it impacts a person’s rights and responsibilities. The issue of disowning a child, particularly when a husband suspects infidelity, is addressed with great care. This article will explore the Islamic view on when disowning a child is permissible, especially in cases of adultery, and the importance of maintaining accurate family lineage.
When Can a Husband Disown the Child?
In most cases, disowning a child in Islam is impermissible. However, there are specific circumstances when a husband may disown the child his wife is carrying if the child is suspected to be the result of adultery.
Adultery During a Period of Purification
If a husband is certain that his wife committed adultery during a period of purification (when no sexual intercourse occurred between them), and she later gives birth to a child, he is obligated to disown the child. This ensures that no wrongful claims of parentage are made, as the child belongs to the adulterer.
Strong Assumption of Adultery
In cases where a husband strongly believes the child is not his—such as when there is a clear resemblance between the child and the adulterer, or if the husband is certain of his infertility—he may be permitted to disown the child. However, this is allowed only if the suspicion is close to certainty and not just doubt.
The Importance of Certainty
Islamic scholars emphasize that disowning a child due to uncertainty is prohibited. Doubts, without clear evidence, cannot justify severing the parent-child relationship. For example, if a husband suspects adultery but does not have concrete evidence or certainty, he is required to accept the child as his own.
The Consequences of Disowning a Child
Disowning a child without valid grounds in Islam leads to serious consequences. It can result in the child being wrongly assigned inheritance rights, leading to confusion in familial relationships. Moreover, the child may develop inappropriate relationships with non-mahram individuals. Therefore, the preservation of accurate family lines is crucial.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also warned against the wrongful disowning of a child, emphasizing the severe consequences in the Hereafter.
The Islamic View on Adoption
In addition to disowning a child, Islam prohibits the practice of adopting children in a way that alters their true lineage. Falsely attributing a child to a non-biological parent is forbidden and seen as a form of deception. While Islam encourages caring for orphaned children, their true lineage must always be preserved.
Conclusion
Islam places great emphasis on maintaining the integrity of parentage. While disowning a child is generally impermissible, it is allowed under specific circumstances, such as confirmed adultery during a phase of purification. Any strong suspicion of adultery must be approached with certainty, and parents should always uphold the child’s true lineage. Understanding these guidelines helps ensure that Islamic principles regarding family and parentage are respected.