Caring for abandoned children is among the very best service a Muslim can perform in this world. Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him) gave glad tidings to those who excel in their kindness towards such vulnerable people.
“I and the one who cares for orphans excellently will be as close in Paradise as these two fingers of mine!” (Al-Bukhari)
This Ramadan, a Nigerian Muslim woman has touched the hearts of many with her exceptionally inspiring act. She adopted a 12-year-old body she found on the street and enrolled him in school.
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Layla Ali Othman met the boy on a street in Abuja. Moved by compassion, apparently due to the what she found the boy, she went to meet his family and they agreed to her adoption request, Legit.ng reported.
She shared a photo with the boy on social media saying, “”Hi FB family, meet my new Son Aliyu.. I found him at my wuse2 branch sitting under a shade just laying down, looking like he wasn’t feeling good.”
“He will be starting school tomorrow insha Allah.. My boys are so excited to meet him. I now have 3 handsome kids.”
Praise
Many people have reacted to the post, praising Layla and showering her with prayers.
Zulkarnain Yabagi reacted, “Thanks for your kindness towards the less privilege, may Allah replenishes your pocket in a million folds & bless you more always.”
Mihammad Jamil commented: “Masha Allah. You are wonderful. The lord will by His Grace reward you hundreds folds. I hope other people copy from this kindness you have showered on this little boy.”
Kaka Hussaini Anthony said: “Am so proud of you laylah, Allah ya biya ki. Keep doing the good work.”
In Islamic Shari’ah, raising a child who isn’t one’s genetic child is allowed and, in the case of an orphan, even encouraged. But, according to the Islamic view, the child doesn’t become a true child of the ‘adoptive’ parents. For example, the child is named after the biological, not adoptive, father.
The distinct Islamic system for adoption is called ‘Kafalah’ where the adoptive child can become a ‘mahram’ to his adopted family if he or she is breastfed by the adoptive mother before the age of two.