By
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
All praise is due to Allāh, who created mankind and guided us with the light of Islam. We seek His forgiveness and protection from our sins. Whoever Allāh guides, none can misguide and whoever He leaves astray, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no god worthy of worship except Allāh alone, without partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His servant and Messenger.
O servants of Allah! I advise myself and you all to fear Allāh, as He says: “O you who have believed, fear Allāh as He should be feared and do not die except as Muslims.” (Āl-ʿImrān: 102)
Brothers and sisters in Islam, today we discuss an issue that is shaking families and societies, PATERNITY FRAUD.
Reports suggest that one in four children does not belong to the man he calls father. This is not only a betrayal of trust but also a corruption that destroys homes, breaks hearts, and shakes the very foundation of society.
ISLAM’S GUIDANCE ON LINEAGE
Islam gives sacred importance to nasab (lineage). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever knowingly claims to belong to someone other than his father, Paradise will be forbidden for him.” (Bukhārī & Muslim)
Lineage is a trust from Allāh. To distort it is a grave sin with worldly and spiritual consequences.
CAUSES OF PATERNITY FRAUD
Firstly, fornication (Zina) and illicit relationships.
Allah says: “Do not approach zina. Indeed, it is ever an immorality and is evil as a way.” (Al-Isrā’: 32)
When men and women indulge in premarital and extramarital relationships, the door to confusion in paternity is opened.
Secondly, the misuse of social media. Today, social media has become a tool for indecency. Indiscriminate chatting, private video calls, sharing immoral pictures and videos, these lead to unlawful intimacy and zina. Parents must monitor their children, and youth must fear Allāh in how they use technology.
Thirdly, indiscriminate mixing between males and females. Islam forbids free mixing without purpose. The Prophet (peace be upon him) warned us to be cautious even with the in-laws, saying: “Beware of entering upon women.” A man asked: “O Messenger of Allah, what about the brother-in-law?” He said: “The brother-in-law is death.” (Bukhārī & Muslim)
If even in-laws require caution, what about strangers and online “friendships”?
Fourthly, the menace of baby factories. In some societies, baby factories have become businesses, exploiting infertility and poverty. This is a crime against children, women, and the dignity of humanity. We must remember that infertility is also a test from Allāh.
Allah says: “To whom He wills, He grants female children, and to whom He wills, He grants male children, or He makes them both males and females, and He renders barren whom He wills. Indeed, He is Knowing and Competent.” (Ash-Shūrā: 49-50)
Some people are created infertile, and that is not a defect but a decree of Allāh. Buying children from illegal sources only increases corruption. Islam however permits adoption of children.
THE ISLAMIC SOLUTION
Prohibition of unlawful relationships. Boys and girls must lower their gaze, protect their chastity, and avoid all forms of zina.
Guarding chastity through marriage
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “O young men! Whoever among you can afford it, let him get married, for it is more effective in lowering the gaze and guarding chastity…” (Bukhārī & Muslim)
Halal marriage prevents confusion of lineage and strengthens society.
Following the rules of marriage in Islam. Some of the rules of marriage in Islam are as follows: Consent of the guardian (walī); Witnesses to the contract; Public announcement of the marriage and Mutual rights and responsibilities.
It is important to note that secret relationships, temporary marriages, or deceitful unions are against Islamic law.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT AND FAMILIES
Families must guide their children to early, halal marriages. It is the duty of the parent to ensure that their children are married legally. Neglecting this or failing to do so can endanger the lives of the children which can also affect the society.
Governments must enact strict laws against zina, human trafficking, and baby factories. The operation of brothels must be discouraged in society. Legal marriages must be encouraged.
Societies must uphold modesty and discourage immorality in media and public life. The media must be properly checked to prevent the use of nude pictures for advertising and entertainment.
CONSEQUENCES OF BETRAYAL
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Any woman who brings into a people one who is not from them, she has nothing to do with Allah, and Allah will not admit her to Paradise.” (Ibn Mājah, authentic) This shows how serious the sin of paternity fraud is.
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, the paternity fraud crisis is a wake-up call. The solution is not only in DNA tests but in returning to the commands of Allāh. Avoiding zina, using social media responsibly, prohibiting baby factories, and strengthening marriage institutions.
I say this, and I seek forgiveness from Allāh for me and you, so seek His forgiveness. Indeed, He is the Most Forgiving, Most Merciful.
O servants of Allah!
Fear Allāh and remember that the greatest trust we have is our families. Betrayal in lineage destroys both dunya (this world) and ākhirah (Hereafter).
Let us protect our youth from zina, misuse of social media, and baby factories. Let families play their role, let governments enforce laws, and let every Muslim guard their honour.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Each of you is a shepherd, and each of you is responsible for his flock.” (Bukhārī & Muslim)
O Allāh, protect us from zina and its consequences. O Allāh, purify our social media and keep our youth away from evil. O Allāh, protect our lineage and honour. O Allāh, guide our leaders to establish justice and protect the weak. O Allāh, grant our youth lawful marriages and keep them away from unlawful relationships.
Indeed, Allāh commands justice, good conduct, and giving to relatives, and forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may be reminded.
Remember Allāh, He will remember you. Thank Him for His favours, He will increase you. And the remembrance of Allāh is greater, and Allāh knows what you do.
Abdul-Kadir Abdullah writes from the Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Edo State Chapter.
