I think in reality we are just talking about a cultural difference. I think in Arab society that family names are more important than in western society. In our view, adopting a child means giving that child everything of yourself including your name and complete equality with the rest of the children whether natural born or adopted.

It is also now common practice to tell adopted children that they are adopted and to allow them to contact their natural parents (if they are alive) so that they have the choice.

I know a white couple who adopted a Chinese baby girl 10 years ago when she was a three month old baby. It is obvious by looking at the child that she is adopted. However, she has the same family name as her adoptive parents and she is hugely loved by them. She is a happy successful child who has found love and acceptance. She came from a society that didn't value her and she is now part of a family that does. How could that be wrong.

If when she is older, she wants to explore her Chinese roots, she is free to do so. But she is 100% part of the family that adopted her and always will be including any inheritance.

I also know a Palestinian couple who are Muslims and they have "adopted" a little girl who they also adore. They are unable to have children and the little girl will never have their family name. However, when they die, she will inherit as there are no other children.

So I guess other than the family name, there is no real difference.