Opening Hearts, Changing Lives

Across the United Kingdom, countless children find themselves in need of a safe, loving home. While the overall demand for foster families is significant, with an estimated shortage of 6,000 to 7,000 carers needed to meet the current demand, a particularly pressing need exists within the Muslim community.¹ It is estimated that over 4,500 children of Muslim heritage are currently in care across England and Wales.² This presents a unique challenge: many Muslim children entering the foster care system may struggle to maintain their Islamic identity, dietary needs, and religious practices if placed in homes that do not understand or uphold their cultural and spiritual background.³

The act of fostering, or providing a temporary home for a child in need, is deeply rooted in the principles of Islam. It is a religion founded on rahmah, or compassion, emphasizing the importance of caring for every child with justice and kindness.⁴ This call to care, to offer support and guidance to those most vulnerable, is a profound expression of faith.⁵ When individuals and families step forward to foster Muslim children, they are not only addressing a critical numerical shortage of homes but also fulfilling a vital cultural and spiritual need. This commitment offers a transformative experience, bringing profound rewards for both the foster parents and the children they welcome into their lives, creating stability and continuity where it is most needed.

The Spiritual Foundation: Fostering in Islam

The spiritual significance of fostering within Islam is immense, elevating it beyond a mere act of charity to a profound embodiment of faith. Islamic teachings on parenting emphasize instilling strong values such as honesty, kindness, generosity, and respect from a young age.⁶ Parents are responsible for teaching children about the oneness of Allah (Tawheed), encouraging regular prayers, and serving as role models by embodying Islamic values in daily life.⁶ Compassion and mercy are paramount, with parents encouraged to follow the example of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who was renowned for his kindness towards children.⁶ These foundational principles of child-rearing extend directly to foster care, where children must be “cared for with justice and compassion” and their “educational, spiritual and physical needs” diligently met.⁴

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) explicitly underscored the importance of showing kindness to the young, stating, “He is not of us who does not have mercy on young children and does not honor our old people” (Sahih Al-Bukhari).⁶ He also articulated the inherent rights of children, stressing the importance of fulfilling their needs and providing both moral guidance and emotional support.⁶ His own conduct within his family served as a powerful model, demonstrating the importance of treating one’s family with utmost kindness and respect, reaffirming that caring for children, especially those in vulnerable circumstances, is central to Islamic practice.⁶

For Muslim foster parents, the spiritual rewards are a powerful motivator. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) highlighted the immense spiritual benefit of caring for an orphan, stating, “The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this,” illustrating this closeness by holding his two fingers together (Sahih al-Bukhari 5304).³ This Hadith offers an unparalleled promise of proximity to the Prophet in Jannah (Paradise), positioning fostering as one of the most virtuous acts a Muslim can undertake. Furthermore, the Quran reinforces this call to benevolence. Surah Al-Baqarah 2:215 states, “They ask you, [O Muhammad], what you should spend. Say, ‘Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.’”.³ This verse underscores that fostering is a profound form of charity (

sadaqah) that continues to bring rewards even after one has passed away.³ This concept of ongoing spiritual benefit means that the positive impact and divine reward of nurturing a child endure beyond this life, making it a truly enduring act of worship.

Nurturing Identity: How Culturally Sensitive Fostering Transforms Children’s Lives

For children in foster care, maintaining a connection to their heritage is not merely about preserving traditions; it is fundamental to their emotional well-being and the development of a strong sense of self. Cultural continuity, which encompasses a child’s connection to their culture, heritage, and traditions, is a key aspect of identity that profoundly contributes to their emotional stability and sense of belonging.⁷ When children feel rooted in their cultural background, they experience greater stability and self-worth.⁹ Conversely, the experience of cultural confusion is common among children in foster care, and it can be particularly severe for Muslim children if their faith, traditional values, and way of life are disrespected, especially when compounded by removal from familiar home environments.¹⁰ This highlights the potential for significant harm when placements are not culturally aligned.

Research consistently demonstrates the positive outcomes of placing children in culturally matched homes. Studies indicate that children placed with foster parents who share their cultural background exhibit better attachment security, fewer behavioral problems, and stronger family connections.⁷ Such placements also lead to improved emotional adjustment, higher academic performance, and a stronger sense of community.⁷ This evidence suggests that cultural sensitivity in fostering is not just a matter of comfort but a crucial therapeutic intervention that fosters resilience and supports positive developmental trajectories. Providing a culturally familiar environment offers a sense of predictability, safety, and belonging that directly counters the disorientation and trauma often experienced by children in care.

In practice, culturally sensitive care for Muslim children involves several key considerations:

• Facilitating Prayer (Salah): Muslim children greatly benefit from having a quiet, peaceful space in the home where they can offer their five daily prayers without interruption.² This simple provision honors a fundamental pillar of their faith and provides a sense of normalcy and continuity.
• Halal-Certified Foods: Ensuring that all meals provided are halal is a fundamental aspect of fostering in accordance with Islamic values.² This extends beyond everyday meals to special occasions like Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal to break fast) during the month of Ramadan, making children feel valued and respected in their new home.²
• Celebrating Ramadan and Eid: These holy periods are fantastic opportunities for family bonding and create a powerful sense of belonging for the child.² It allows children to maintain cherished traditions and feel included in significant cultural and religious celebrations.
• Emotional Support Through Faith: Many children in foster care, particularly asylum-seeking children, have experienced unfathomable loss and trauma.² Muslim foster carers are uniquely positioned to offer the emotional support these children require, allowing them to find comfort, peace, and security in their faith, which can be a profound source of healing.²
• Religious Study: Supporting children in studying Islam, including providing resources and time for reading the Quran, helps reinforce their faith and identity while promoting personal growth.⁵

A real-world example of this transformative impact is Nadia, a Muslim child in foster care whose carers actively supported her in fasting during Ramadan and attending an Islamic school near their home. This enabled Nadia to continue her connection to culture across all dimensions of care, demonstrating the practical and profound benefits of a culturally sensitive approach.¹¹ This approach underscores that culturally sensitive fostering is not merely a desirable option but an essential practice for promoting the holistic well-being of Muslim children, directly impacting their mental health, identity formation, and overall development.

A Path of Profound Fulfillment: Rewards for Foster Parents

The journey of fostering is often described by carers as one of profound personal and emotional fulfillment, extending far beyond the act of giving to become a catalyst for deep self-discovery and family enrichment. Foster parents frequently report “discovering the best version of yourself” and “building new skills through training and experience, such as therapeutic parenting and and conflict resolution”.⁵ Amina, a single foster carer, shared, “It is so rewarding, I have discovered an inner strength I didn’t know I have!”.¹² Similarly, Zain, a foster carer who attributes his positive outlook to his faith, views every experience as “a chance to better yourself and grow”.¹³ This personal evolution highlights how fostering challenges individuals to develop new capacities for empathy, patience, and resilience.

The positive impact of fostering extends to the entire family unit. It “broadens your family’s horizons and teaches your children empathy, kindness and acceptance”.⁵ Asif and Shazia Ali, a Muslim couple who welcomed their first foster child, observed that the experience “changed the mindset of the whole household” and brought “many other blessings,” making their lives “happier and more fulfilled”.¹⁴ This demonstrates a symbiotic relationship where the act of giving care leads to significant personal and familial growth, enriching the lives of everyone involved.

The overarching sentiment among foster carers is one of deep satisfaction and purpose. “Welcoming children and young people into your home can be an incredibly rewarding experience,” ⁵ and many attest that fostering has truly “changed their life”.⁵ Zain described his fostering experience as “the most fulfilling and positive experience,” ¹³ while Mohammad found it “really rewarding” to “see the difference we can make” in a child’s life.¹⁵ For Muslim foster parents like Asif and Shazia Ali, fostering is also seen as “a way to show gratitude to Allah (swt) and the perfect form of charity for the whole family” ¹⁴, adding a profound spiritual dimension to their fulfillment.

Real-life accounts further illustrate these powerful rewards:

• Asif and Shazia Ali (UK): After six months with their first foster child, they described the experience as “amazing.” They noted that their foster child brought “many other blessings,” making their lives “happier and more fulfilled,” and they eagerly anticipated celebrating Ramadan and Eid together.¹⁴
• Amina (UK): A single foster carer, Amina found immense reward and discovered “an inner strength” she never knew she possessed. She emphasizes welcoming all children “equally with my heart,” demonstrating how compassion can overcome perceived cultural differences.¹²
• Zain (UK): Inspired by his work as a social worker, Zain and his wife fostered 14 children over a decade, including two long-term placements. He found the rigorous assessment process “extremely therapeutic” and described fostering as “the most fulfilling and positive experience,” attributing his positive mindset to his faith.¹³
• Mohammad and Ferzana (UK): Having fostered for 17 years and cared for 20 children from diverse backgrounds, they were initially motivated by compassion after witnessing the impact of conflict. They consistently found fostering “really rewarding” and cherished the opportunity to “see the difference we can make” in children’s lives.¹⁵
• Shopna (UK): As a Muslim foster carer supporting a young Muslim child from Afghanistan, Shopna views her role as fulfilling the Islamic directive to “look after our community and look after children.” She actively supports young people in feeling “confident in themselves, their identity and their religion”.¹⁶

These stories collectively paint a picture of reciprocal transformation, where the act of providing care becomes a powerful catalyst for personal and family enrichment, yielding invaluable returns in growth, purpose, and spiritual blessings.

Practical Steps: Embracing Culturally Sensitive Care

Embracing culturally sensitive care for Muslim children involves understanding and integrating specific practices into daily life. These considerations are not merely rules but practical expressions of respect and care that contribute significantly to a child’s sense of security, belonging, and identity.

Key Cultural and Religious Considerations:

• Dietary Needs (Halal):
  • “Halal” refers to permissible foods for Muslims, while “haram” foods are forbidden.¹⁷ Forbidden items include pork, certain wild animals, rodents, reptiles, and alcohol.¹⁷
  • Halal meat must be slaughtered according to Islamic law.¹⁷ Seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products are generally permissible if they do not contain non-halal content.¹⁷
  • Crucially, utensils and surfaces used for cooking must be clean and cannot have been used for non-halal food to avoid cross-contamination.¹⁷
  • During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting from dawn to sunset, abstaining from all food and beverages. Foster parents should be aware of the two main meals: Suhur (immediately before dawn) and Iftar (immediately after sunset).¹⁷
• Eating Habits: Some Muslims may prefer eating seated on the floor or using their fingers (specifically the right hand for eating, with the left reserved for personal hygiene). Hand washing before and after meals is customary.¹⁷
• Dress and Modesty (Awrah): Modesty is a key aspect of Islamic dress. Women are generally expected to dress modestly, covering from head to feet when in front of non-immediate family males, while men are expected to cover from the navel to the knees.¹⁷ It is important to note that the concession on awrah (limits of modesty) is applicable to foster children both before and after they reach the age of puberty, aiming to provide a safe and secure home environment.⁴
• Personal Care and Prayer (Salah): Ritualistic washing, known as wudu, is performed before the five daily prayers and involves specific cleansing of the hands, face, arms, and feet.¹⁷ Providing a water bottle for personal hygiene is often appreciated.¹⁷ Foster families should facilitate the child’s daily prayer requirements and provide a quiet, peaceful space in the home where they can offer their prayers without interruption.²
• Celebrating Eid: Understanding and celebrating Eid, a significant Muslim holiday, is an important aspect of supporting Muslim children and helps foster a powerful sense of belonging.¹⁷

Islamic Guidelines for Foster Care:

Beyond daily practices, broader Islamic guidelines emphasize the holistic well-being of the foster child. Foster children “must be cared for with justice and compassion,” and the foster family is responsible for their “educational, spiritual and physical needs”.⁴ While fostering is a temporary arrangement, many principles from Islamic adoption guidelines apply. For instance, efforts should be made to ensure a Muslim child is placed with a Muslim family to protect their faith and religion.⁴ The concept of

mahram (non-marriageable kin) is also relevant; in adoption, breastfeeding an infant (under two years old, with at least five sufficient sessions) can make the child mahram to the wet nurse and her family, impacting modesty rules.⁴ While primarily for adoption, this principle highlights the importance of creating familial bonds and understanding related modesty considerations in foster care. Foster parents are also encouraged to notify biological parents as a courtesy if they decide to perform rituals for the foster child, and cooperation between foster families, original family members, and social services is crucial for the child’s social growth and smooth transition.⁴

Connecting with Muslim Communities and Resources:

Navigating these nuances can be made easier by connecting with broader Muslim communities and specialized resources. Engaging with multicultural communities and attending community events can provide valuable support and understanding.¹¹ Partnering with organizations that focus on cultural diversity and inclusion can also help foster families access cultural resources and build a supportive network.⁸ In the UK, specialist agencies like Foster Care Link are dedicated to placing Muslim children with Muslim families, serving as valuable resources for guidance and support.¹⁹ By embracing these practical considerations, foster parents transform the foster home into a truly culturally responsive environment, which in turn fosters stronger emotional bonds and aids the child’s overall adjustment and development.

Beyond the Home: Strengthening Communities and Preserving Heritage

The impact of fostering Muslim children extends far beyond the individual family, playing a crucial role in strengthening community cohesion and preserving cultural heritage. When children in care are supported in maintaining their connection to their culture, religion, and language, they develop a stronger sense of belonging and identity, leading to better outcomes as they grow up.⁹ This cultural continuity is vital for their well-being, especially for children of color, as it provides a foundational sense of self and resilience.⁷

Fostering within the Muslim community has a significant impact because it creates a nurturing environment that upholds a child’s cultural identity and faith, which are essential for their emotional development.⁵ Conversely, when foster care placements do not consider a child’s cultural background, it can lead to confusion, alienation, and hinder their emotional development.⁸ The experience of cultural confusion can be particularly severe for Muslim children when their faith and way of life are disrespected, exacerbating the trauma of being removed from their familiar homes.¹⁰

By providing culturally familiar environments, Muslim foster families help children experience a sense of belonging that extends beyond the immediate family unit, fostering stronger social connections within the broader community.⁷ This contributes to social cohesion—the “glue that holds communities together,” promoting a sense of belonging, trust, and cooperation among diverse individuals.²⁰ Fostering, therefore, becomes an act that promotes social inclusion and reduces social isolation within the community.²¹

The Muslim community in the UK is already known for its strong charitable spirit, with Muslims donating significantly more to charitable causes and volunteering substantial time annually compared to the national average.²² This inherent generosity provides a strong foundation for addressing the pressing need for Muslim foster carers. The fact that the number of Muslim children entering care far outweighs the number of available Muslim foster carers highlights a collective responsibility within the community to bridge this gap.² Initiatives like The Muslim Fostering Project are actively working to engage Muslim communities and encourage more individuals to come forward to foster, recognizing that this is not just about individual children but about safeguarding the cultural and religious identity of future generations within the UK.²³ This collective effort ensures that vulnerable children can maintain their heritage, contributing to the overall resilience and vibrancy of the community.

Conclusion: Answering the Call to Compassion

Fostering Muslim children is a profoundly rewarding journey, offering transformative benefits for both the children in care and the families who open their hearts and homes. For children, culturally sensitive placements provide stability, emotional support through faith, and the vital continuity of identity that helps them heal from trauma and thrive. For foster parents, it is a path of immense personal growth, skill development, and deep satisfaction, enriching their own lives and instilling invaluable lessons of empathy and acceptance in their biological children. As many foster carers attest, “fostering a child can change their life – and yours”.⁵

The need for Muslim foster carers in the UK is urgent, with thousands of children of Muslim heritage requiring homes that understand and uphold their faith and culture. This presents a unique opportunity for the Muslim community to step forward, leveraging its inherent charitable spirit to provide essential support and ensure the preservation of cultural and religious identity for these vulnerable children.

For those considering this impactful journey, extensive support and training are readily available. Agencies offer comprehensive programs to equip foster carers with essential skills, from therapeutic parenting to conflict resolution.⁵ Existing foster carers, like Amina, who found “lots of support and training available” ¹², and Zain, who felt “prepped for such issues during their training beforehand” ¹³, attest to the robust support networks. Specialist organizations, such as Foster Care Link, are dedicated to guiding Muslim families through the process.¹⁹

The decision to foster is a significant one, but it is also a call to compassion that promises unparalleled spiritual rewards and a lasting, positive impact on individual lives and the wider community. As one foster carer wisely advised, “Don’t think twice, go in with it with your eyes open and pray to Allah that it’ll be an enriching experience. Don’t look at it’ll benefit you, think about how it could benefit a child in need”.¹³ By embracing this opportunity, individuals can make a tangible difference, providing a beacon of hope and stability for a child, and in doing so, enrich their own lives in ways they never imagined.