Prophet Muhammad, the beloved founder of the Islamic religion, once made a promise. For those who will care for an orphaned child, a life in paradise shall be waiting for him. He even gestured that the closeness that he and that person who will appropriately and properly practice Islam adoption will be as close as the two fingers bound together on one hand. This principle of Mohammad have probably stemmed from the fact that he himself adopted a slave for which he raised as if the slave was really his own son.

But like many other religious beliefs, the practice of Islam adoption is being guided by their religious book, the Koran. It gives out particular guidelines as to what must guide the relationship between the family and the adopted child. It is very important that the child’s relationship to his or her true parents will not be cut-off. Their identity is not hidden, and the Koran has a verse that totally reminds the adopting family that they are not the real parents or relatives of the child.

To quote from the book of Koran,

"...Nor has He made your adopted sons your (biological) sons. Such is (only) your (manner of) speech by your mouths. But Allah tells (you) the Truth, and He shows the (right) Way. Call them by (the names of) their fathers; that is juster in the sight of Allah. But if you know not their father's (names, call them) your brothers in faith, or your trustees. But there is no blame on you if you make a mistake therein. (What counts is) the intention of your hearts. And Allah is Oft-Returning, Most Merciful."
(Qur'an 33:4-5)
Kafala (to feed) is the Islamic word for the practice of Islam adoption, and their rules for this particular practice will really appear to be different from the common adoption process that most people practice today. Islam adoption highlights more the idea of a foster-parent relationship. Here are some of the rules that guide the whole relationship:
1.The adopted child will retain the last name of the biological family from where he or she originally came from, and will not adopt the surnames of his or her foster parents.
2.If the adopted child will receive some form of inheritance, he or she will receive it from his or her biological parents or family and not instantly from her foster parents.
3.The adopted child will not consider the foster family members that he or she grew up with as his or her blood relatives. In other words, it is permissible for the adopted child to marry any of the members of the family that adopted him or her.
4.The foster family of the adopted child will only serve as trustees to the inheritance if the adoptive child will receive any. They are not allowed to interfere to any inheritance affairs concerning the child.
These rules for the proper practice of Islam adoption set the relationship of the biological parent and the foster child very clear: they are just caretakers or trustees of the adopted child. This way, the true relationship between the two parties will be totally defined and at the same time, be more valued. It is also very important to know that the concept of family ties is very important for the religion of Islam. In fact, it is rare for anyone to spot an abandoned child within the Muslim community. And if ever there is really one abandoned child, Muslims will still find ways to fully locate the biological parents before they even take steps of letting the child be adopted by a foster family.
Let us end with this very relevant verse taken again from the Holy Book of Koran:
"Did He not find you an orphan and give you shelter? And He found you wandering, and He gave you guidance. And He found you in need, and made you independent. Therefore, treat not the orphan with harshness, nor drive away a petitioner (unheard). But the bounty of the Lord - rehearse and proclaim!"
(Qur'an 93:6-11)