we have no child yet, thus we are planning to adopt a child Is it allowed in Islam or not? What are the rules?
Ref. No. 809 Alif
In the name of Allah the most Gracious the most Merciful
The answer to your question is as follows:
It is allowed in Islam to adopt a child for nutrition. Our Prophet Muhammad (saws) adopted Hazrat Zaid bin Harisah (ra). But one must keep in mind that the adopted child cannot take the place of a real son/daughter. According to shariah, the adopted child is a stranger to these pretended parents. He/she will not get share in their inheritance. Moreover, when he/she is mature they will have to do pardah too.
And Allah knows best
Darul Ifta
Darul Uloom Waqf Deoband INDIA