Q:
1. A couple have adopted a girl. Upon the adopted child’s demise, how would her estate be distributed? Her biological parents and siblings are unknown.
2. Would the adopted daughter inherit from her adopted parents?
A:
1. Try your best to locate the biological parents, siblings, etc. If after exhausting efforts no relative can be found then her wealth should be distributed among the needy and poor.
2. No. They may however make a bequest in favour of her.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)