Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

As Salam Elekum,

I am a British Citizen and live in UK. I have married to a divorcee with three children of her from her previous husband. I was not aware that childrens father was in contact with the children. I have promissed that I will look after your children as my children but their father came to our home and threatened me to murder me if anything happend to his children. I have been living with my wife and her children for last 6 years. During this time I have bought a new bigger house to Accommodate all family. My wife is not happy and teasing me that I do not look after the family. I hae my own daughter with her and my daughter is three years old. The woman who is my wife expect me to bear the cost of her childrens expenses. Their father does not want me to look after them. I have bought this house, Do shopping for food and pay all bills. My wife , mother of these kids expects me to pay for her children. The chidren are using their fathers name and I can not foster them in my name. I am not their legal father according to the UK law.

My question is:

can you please advise me if I am responsible for the expenses of these children or this is their fathers responsibility according to Islam. Thanks.

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Answer:

Financial responsible custody children

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Your Question: ….can you please advise me if I am responsible for the expenses of these children or this is their fathers responsibility according to Islam.

Respected brother in Islam, the complete financial responsibility for the upkeep of your step-children (children of your wife from her previous marriage), lies solely upon the shoulders of their real father in Shariah. You, as their step-father, are not legally responsible for the financial upkeep of your step-children, but if you, of your own free will, wish to spend on them from your resources, you are well within your rights to do so.

Allah Says in the Holy Quran Chapter 33 Surah Ahzaab verses 4-5:

4 Allah has not made for any man two hearts in his (one) body: nor has He made your wives whom ye divorce by Zihar your mothers: nor has He made your adopted sons your sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech by your mouths. But Allah tells (you) the Truth and He shows the (right) Way.

5 Call them (those whom you adopt) by (the names) of their fathers: that is juster in the sight of Allah; but if ye know not their father's (names call them) your Brothers in faith or your Maulas. But there is no blame on you if ye make a mistake therein: (what counts is) the intention of your hearts: and Allah is Oft-Returning Most Merciful.

Because the children of your wife resulting from another marriage are not your children, they cannot and should not attach your name to their names…but rather they should always be called and recognized by the name of their own father. Their real father would be legally responsible in Shariah to bear the complete financial burden for their upkeep, even if they happen to live with their mother; he would have fair visitation rights, he would inherit from them, and they would inherit from him. Your step-children will neither inherit from you, nor will you inherit from them in Shariah.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan