Can Muslims foster non-Muslim children?

Why fostering is so valued

Many children in foster care have lost the care of their parents, even if only for a while. The Prophet ﷺ said: "I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise," holding up two fingers close together (Sahih al-Bukhari 5304). Scholars extend this reward to anyone who takes in a child in need. He ﷺ also said: "He is not one of us who does not have mercy on our young" (Jami' at-Tirmidhi 1919, graded hasan). Mercy to a child doesn't depend on that child's religion.

Fostering is different from adoption, but the Islamic rules about keeping the child's own name and lineage apply to both. See Can I adopt a child as a Muslim?

Respecting the child's faith

A foster child is not yours to convert. Islam says there is no compulsion in religion (Quran 2:256), and agencies usually require carers to support a child's religious and cultural identity as written in the care plan. In practice this means:

• Food: your home can stay halal; just make sure the child eats well and doesn't feel singled out. Most agencies are fine with this if it's discussed early.
• Church or other worship: if the plan includes church visits, many scholars allow you to drive the child and wait, or arrange for a relative or social worker to take them, without joining the worship yourself. Others prefer to avoid it, so ask the agency about options before you're matched.
• Questions about Islam: answer honestly and kindly. Your example teaches more than any lecture.

The same balance applies to a convert's own children who aren't Muslim. See Do my children have to become Muslim if I do?

Privacy and teenagers

A foster child isn't a mahram (close relative) to you, so with older children and teens of the opposite sex, think about modest dress at home, knocking before entering rooms and separate bedrooms. These are good safeguarding habits anyway, and foster training covers many of them. Some Muslim carers choose to foster younger children or children of the same sex as the main carer for this reason. Talk to your local scholar and your agency about what works for your family.

Getting started

Contact your local council or a fostering agency and ask about Muslim carers specifically. Several Muslim charities in the UK and US also run fostering awareness programs and support groups. Training and assessment usually take several months.