Question from comment box:

Asalaamu alaikum,
Jazakallah khair for posting this article, as it is something I always wondered about. I appreciate it very much, but the biological truth is that a woman can only produce milk after she has given birth… what can be done if the woman has not recently given birth but would like to adopt? And if you have the information or hadiths on what the Prophet (peace be upon him) did in the case of his adopted son being around women in the family, please let me know. I am sorry if you are unable to answer my questions, but I would truly love to adopt children someday and would like to know more. Jazakallah khair for your time.

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*Woman can produce milk prior to birth. There are inducing functions that can allow for it. Consult your doctor for such techniques.

*In the strictest sense, hijab would not be needed between Zaid (RA) and the blessed mothers (May peace be upon them all.) Marriage cannot take place with the child of a husband. There are also historical aspects that relate to this matter that must also be examined which causes many to admonish current adoption practices. This merely means that we must exercise best judgment in all we do. Laws of hijab, its execution, age distinctions must all be evaluated for optimal success so as avoid fitna. This topic must be explored more in light of current events. In times of fitnah it is best to use our former suggestion. However, if fitnah can be avoided, an allowance of cordial interaction remains permissible between foster parents and child.

As you would note, we said very clearly the following: (the key words were as follows: under optimal conditions)

Under optimal conditions, adopt a child that needs to be suckled. Many such children exist. Children being thrown in dumpsters or at hospital doors are a regular occurrence. The wife or woman adopting such a child would remove the laws of ‘muhrim’ between her and the child; or between the female child and the husband. This would also strengthen the bond between the new parental figures and child.

*If the question could not be answered, it is not you that should be sorry, it is us that should be sorry or attain the best response for you.

*May Allah (SWT) bless you and allow you to take into custody every person that would assist you in attaining the most supreme of paradise, Ameen.

Allah Certainly Knows Best.