Perak Mufti: It’s zina if illegitimate kids take on fathers’ names

KUALA LUMPUR: Those who are in favour of illegitimate Muslim children taking on their fathers’ names are legitimising zina (sexual intercourse outside of marriage), says Perak Mufti Tan Sri Harussani Zakaria.

He said the fatwa (edict) disallowing such children from taking on their fathers’ names was based on the Quran, hadith and consensus among the ulama worldwide.

He said the local ulama should be careful when voicing their views against the decision.

“Are we looking for publicity by going against the grain?” he asked when met during the launch of Residensi RAH in Kampung Baru yesterday.

Harussani was commenting on the statement by Perlis Mufti Datuk Dr Mohd Asri Zainul Abidin, urging the state National Registration Department to abide by the Court of Appeal’s landmark ruling that allowed illegitimate Muslim children to take on their biological fathers’ names.

Last week, the court allowed an appeal made by a couple to file for judicial review to force the NRD director-general to replace the bin or binti Abdullah in their children’s name to that of the father in the birth certificate.

The NRD, however, said it would continue to register such births as usual, and had filed an appeal in the Federal Court.

Harussani also advised the Government to deal with the issue in accordance with the fatwa as it involved Islamic matters.