The Importance of Being Benevolent Towards Orphans in Islam

Caring for Orphans: A Path to Paradise and Allah’s Pleasure

BENEVOLENT TOWARDS ORPHANS

ALLĀH says: “And they ask you about orphans. Say, improvement for them is best. And if you mix your affairs with theirs – they are your brothers.” {Al-Baqarah: Verse 220}

Abu Darda (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said, “Bring the orphan close to you, pat his head, and feed him with the same food you eat. It will soften your heart and fulfill your need.” {Maka‌rim al-Akhla‌q lil-Khara‌’it‌i‌ #661}

Malik ibn Al-Harith (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of ALLĀH (ﷺ) said, “Whoever embraces an orphan of two Muslim parents by feeding him and giving him drink until he is independent of him, Paradise will certainly be necessary for him.” {Musnad Ah‌mad #19855}

Sahl ibn Sa’d (may ALLĀH be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Myself and the caretaker of an orphan will be in Paradise like this,” and he held his two fingers together. {al-Bukha‌ri‌ #5659}

Ibn Battāl said (may ALLĀH have mercy on him): “It is the duty of every believer who hears this hadīth (hadīth sahl ibn Sa’d) to strive to follow it, so that he will be in Paradise with the Prophet (ﷺ) and the company of Prophets and Messengers for there is no status in the Hereafter that is better before ALLĀH then the company of the Prophets.” {Sharh Ibn Battaal || 17/260}.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaymīn (may ALLĀH have mercy on him) said: “Sponsoring an orphan means taking care of his religious and worldly affairs, giving him an upbringing, guidance, education and so on that he grows up following the teachings of Islām and taking care of his worldly affairs by giving him food, drink and accommodation.” {Sharh Riyādhus-Saliḥīn || Page 311}