Child Custody
Question :

In the event of a divorce or a separation, who is entitled to the custody of children, the father or the mother?

Answer :

The right of the custody of the children is for the mother for the first two years of the child's age. After that, it is obligatory on her to give the custody to the father if he asks for it. At the same time, the father should not prevent the mother from having a relationship with her child, as this is a right for both the child and the mother.

Child Custody
Question :

If the parents of a six-year-old child are divorced, and the father has custody of the child, does the mother have the right to visit her child, even though the father does not let her?

Answer :

It is not permissible for the father to prevent the divorced mother from visiting her child and see him, except when it is in the best interest of the child to do so.

Apostate
Question :

If the husband becomes an apostate (murtadd), should the children stay with the Muslim mother?

Answer :

If the father of the children became an apostate, then his guardianship over the children is no longer valid.

Child Custody
Question :

When a girl becomes nine years old, does she have the right to choose whether she wants to live with her father or her mother?

Answer :

Yes, if she reached the age of nine years, she can decide with whom she wants to live.

Child Custody
Question :

My ex-wife and I got divorced and we have a daughter who is now ten years old. My daughter is with my ex-wife. She does not let me see her. What are my rights as a father in this situation?

Answer :

If the girl reached the age of Sharia-defined adulthood, she can choose to live with her mother or father. Neither of them is allowed to prevent the girl from seeing the other parent.

Adoption
Question :

Is adoption permissible according to the Sharia?

Answer :

Providing for and raising a non-Mahram child is permissible; in fact, it is highly recommended if the child requires such care. Rather, it may even become obligatory if the child’s life depends on it. However, rulings related to the father-son relationship, such as inheritance, will not apply.

Adoption
Question :

I wish to adopt a child. Is this permissible? If so, and I adopt a boy, does my wife have to keep the hijab on in front of him? Similarly, if I adopt a girl, will I be prohibited from looking at her without hijab?

Answer :

It is permissible to adopt a child, and with adoption we mean providing for and raising a non-Mahram child. However, he or she remains a stranger to the family, so wearing hijab is obligatory as you mentioned in the question.

Adoption
Question :

Is it permissible for persons other than the parents of the child to raise him or her?

Answer :

It is permissible for others to raise the child in special circumstances like if the parents are deceased or are non-Muslim.