Peanut Gallery: My purpose in re posting this article is not to criticize the Sultanate of Oman but to commend it for it’s willingness to address the sensitive issue of illegitimacy in the Muslim world.

Oman is perhaps the most tolerant regime in the region due to its Ibadhi Muslim heritage and the benevolent guidance of its Sultan. That’s why this subject can be broached at all.

Nevertheless, the status of illegitimate children in the Muslim world is very difficult, as you will see below.

What they need most is love… and the clear understanding that they are created in the “image of God“- with intrinsic dignity and value and with a future and hope prepared for them by God.
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Illegitimacy in Oman – children need love and acceptance

Muscat: Society continues to look down upon children who were born out of wedlock, as some claim these children are seeds of the devil since they were born outside of marriage. In fact, a large part of society displays prejudice towards such children, refusing to allow their own children to socialize with or, especially, marry them.

The issue of children born outside of marriage remains a sensitive subject in the region, and the issue is rarely addressed in the media, at seminars or by public organizations.

In Oman, however, such children have recently appealed to the community and the government to recognize them and involve them in the community, as all Omanis are.

Uncertain future Huda (not her real name), 12 years old, said that illegitimate children should not carry the burden of guilt because of the mistakes made by two persons from within the general community.

Huda said she, as well as other children seen as being illegitimate, is forced to remain uncertain about their future.
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