What is the ruling of Islamic law on changing the father's name in official documents for a person to acquire the status of a son; is this considered adoption?
It is permissible to add some relatives to official documents out of necessity, such as fearing for them from destitution, or for a legitimate religious purpose that cannot be achieved without this addition, provided that the harms that may result from it are secured, and with the obligation to inform the family that this person is not a biological son, because in Islam, what matters are realities, not names. As for adding relatives merely for living purposes or to gain material or moral benefits, it is not permissible due to the deception and fraud involved therein.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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