Burying a non-Muslim child in a Muslim graveyard

Reference: Fataawa al-Lajnah ad-Daa.imah lil-Buhooth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Iftaa. v9 p10 q3 of no.5124

Question: Is it permissible to bury a non-Muslim child in a Muslim graveyard if a Muslim has adopted him, and then he (the child) dies before reaching the age of puberty?

Response: It is not permissible to bury a non-Muslim in a Muslim graveyard, regardless of whether he was adopted by a Muslim or not, or whether he had reached the age of puberty or not. However, if there was any indication as to his [having embraced] Islaam, then he is to be buried in a Muslim graveyard. It should be noted that adoption is forbidden in Islaam [while fostering is permissible], because Allaah سبحانه و تعالى says:

{Call them (adopted sons) by [the names of] their fathers} al-Ahzaab 33:5

And with Allaah lies all success and may Allaah send prayers and salutations upon our Prophet ﷺ and his family and his companions.


Translation originally published on 28 April, 2001.

Graduate of the Islaamic University of Madeenah, having completed the Arabic Language programme at the Institute of Arabic Language before progressing to the Faculty of Sharee'ah, from which he graduated in 2004.

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