Support of an Illegitimate Child

Q: If a married man has a child out of wedlock, does he have a moral obligation towards that child or not? This child is now an adult. The father wants his legitimate children to recognise this child (born out of nikah). Also, this child is not a Muslim. Please advise.

A: A child born our of wedlock is the responsibility of the mother. The biological father is not obligated to support or care for the child. Such a child will not inherit from the biological father, nor will he (the father) inherit from the child if the latter passes away. Illegitimate children inherit from the mother only. A man cannot expect his family to accept an illegitimate child or to make him or her part of his legitimate family. In fact, one should try and hide the fact that a child was fathered outside nikah. If the child is not a Muslim then there is even greater reason for the father to avoid any interaction with him or her. May Allah save our Muslims for the disaster of illegitimacy. Rasoolullah (sallallahu alayhi wasallam) warned: “Among the signs of Qiyamah, one will be the increase of illegitimate children” (Durr-e-Manthoor) This is obviously a hint that zinaa will become widespread.