Sponsoring Orphans: A Detailed Review of Quranic Verses and Hadiths

 1. Introduction

In Islamic terminology, an orphan refers to a minor child who has lost their father before reaching the age of puberty . The significance of this definition in Islamic teachings lies in identifying children who depend on others for their care and protection. The loss of a father makes children economically and socially vulnerable, placing the responsibility of their care and upbringing on the community.

The Holy Quran and the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) place great importance on sponsoring orphans and repeatedly emphasize it . Numerous verses and Hadith encourage treating orphans kindly, protecting their rights, and ensuring their best upbringing . The reward for caring for orphans is also frequently mentioned, highlighting the virtue of this act.

This report presents a detailed review of all relevant Quranic verses and Hadith on the topic of sponsoring orphans. Its aim is to clarify Islamic guidelines, the rewards for sponsoring orphans, and the warnings against neglecting this duty.

2. Quranic Verses on Sponsoring Orphans

Several verses in the Holy Quran address the sponsorship of orphans. Some of these are presented below with their English translations:

• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177): Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but [true] righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask, and for freeing slaves; [and who] establishes prayer and gives zakah; [and they who] fulfill their promise when they promise; and [they who] are patient in poverty and hardship and during battle. Those are the ones who have been true, and those are the righteous.
• Interpretation: This verse provides a comprehensive definition of righteousness and piety, encompassing faith, worship, and the rights of others. Giving wealth to orphans and helping them is highlighted as an important aspect of righteousness.
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:215): They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they 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."
• Interpretation: This verse specifies the beneficiaries of charity, with orphans being mentioned prominently. It indicates that orphans are entitled to financial assistance.
• Surah Al-Baqarah (2:220): In this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say, "Improvement for them is best. And if you associate with them, they are your brothers. And Allah knows the corrupter from the improver. And if Allah had willed, He could have put you in hardship. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise."
• Interpretation: This verse encourages the betterment of orphans' affairs and living with them in a kind manner, referring to them as brothers and emphasizing treating them with compassion and love.
• Surah An-Nisa (4:2): And give to the orphans their properties and do not substitute the bad [of your wealth] for the good [of theirs]. And do not consume their properties into your own. Indeed, that would be a great sin.
• Interpretation: This verse strictly prohibits misappropriating the wealth of orphans. Replacing their good wealth with one's own bad wealth and consuming their property with one's own is deemed a great sin.
• Surah An-Nisa (4:3): And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hand possesses. That is more suitable that you may not incline [from justice].
• Interpretation: This verse provides guidance regarding the marriage of orphan girls, stating that if there is a fear of not being just with them, then one should not marry them and is permitted to marry other women. This highlights the importance of protecting the rights of orphan girls.
• Surah An-Nisa (4:6): And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgment, release their property to them. And do not consume it extravagantly and hastily for fear that they will grow up. And whoever, [among guardians], is rich, let him abstain [from taking compensation]; and whoever is poor - let him eat according to what is acceptable. Then when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allah as Accountant.
• Interpretation: This verse guides the management and return of orphans' property. It commands testing their maturity and judgment before returning their wealth to them.
• Surah An-Nisa (4:10): Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze.
• Interpretation: This verse issues a severe warning to those who unjustly consume the wealth of orphans, equating their consumption to fire and foretelling a fiery punishment.
• Surah An-Nisa (4:36): Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.
• Interpretation: This verse emphasizes the importance of the rights of others, including the command to do good to orphans, highlighting it as a significant social responsibility.
• Surah Al-Anfal (8:41): And know that whatever of war booty you may gain - indeed, for Allah is one fifth of it and for the Messenger and for [his] near relatives and the orphans, the needy, and the [stranded] traveler, if you have believed in Allah and in that which We sent down to Our servant on the day of criterion, the day when the two armies met. And Allah is over all things competent.
• Interpretation: This verse outlines the distribution of war booty, allocating a share for orphans, indicating a formal system for their financial support.
• Surah Al-Hashr (59:7): What Allah has assigned to His Messenger from the people of the towns - it is for Allah and for the Messenger and for [his] relatives and the orphans and the needy and the traveler, so that it will not be a perpetual distribution among the rich from among you. And whatever the Messenger has given you - take it; and whatever he has forbidden you - refrain from it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.
• Interpretation: This verse also concerns the distribution of war booty, including orphans among the deserving recipients to prevent wealth from circulating only among the affluent.
• Surah Ad-Duha (93:9-10): So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him]. And as for the beggar, do not repel [him].
• Interpretation: These verses instruct treating orphans with kindness and compassion and prohibit any form of oppression or harshness towards them.
• Surah Al-Fajr (89:17-20): No! But you do not honor the orphan. Nor do you encourage one another to feed the poor. And you consume inheritance, all at once. And you love wealth with immense love.
• Interpretation: These verses condemn those who do not honor orphans, do not encourage feeding the poor, and devour inheritance entirely, highlighting the severity of violating orphans' rights.
• Surah Al-Ma'un (107:1-3): Have you seen the one who denies the Recompense? For that is the one who drives away the orphan. And does not encourage [the feeding of] the poor.
• Interpretation: These verses identify denying the recompense with driving away the orphan and not encouraging the feeding of the poor, underscoring the importance of kind treatment towards orphans.
• Surah Al-Insan (76:8-9): And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive,, "We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude."
• Interpretation: These verses describe the qualities of the righteous who feed the needy, orphans, and captives despite their own desire for the food, seeking only Allah's pleasure and not expecting any reward or gratitude. This illustrates the virtue of helping orphans.
• Surah Al-Balad (90:11-16): But he has not broken through the difficult pass. And what will make you know what is [breaking through] the difficult pass? [It is] the freeing of a slave; Or feeding [the poor] on a day of severe hunger. An orphan of near relationship. Or a needy person in misery.
• Interpretation: These verses describe acts of breaking through a difficult pass, including freeing slaves and feeding orphans and the needy on a day of famine, highlighting the significance of helping orphans.

3. Hadith on Sponsoring Orphans

The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also contains numerous Hadith regarding the sponsorship of orphans. Some of these are presented below with their English translations and significance:

• Sahih Bukhari:
• Sahl bin Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise," and he gestured with his index and middle fingers, holding them slightly apart.
• Significance: This Hadith highlights the immense reward for sponsoring an orphan and promises such a person's companionship with the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Paradise.
• A man complained to the Prophet (peace be upon him) about the hardness of his heart. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Stroke the head of an orphan with affection and feed the poor."
• Significance: This Hadith indicates that showing kindness to orphans softens the heart.
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned seven destructive sins, including consuming the wealth of an orphan.
• Significance: This Hadith emphasizes the gravity of unjustly consuming an orphan's wealth.
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Shall I not tell you of the best charity? It is to look after your daughter who has been returned to you and has no one else to look after her besides you."
• Significance: While specifically about a daughter, this Hadith also reflects the virtue of caring for orphaned girls.
• Sahih Muslim:
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that the one who sponsors an orphan, whether it is a relative or not, will be in Paradise like this (and he gestured with his index and middle fingers).
• Significance: This Hadith emphasizes the reward for sponsoring any orphan, regardless of kinship.
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The best house among the Muslims is the one where an orphan is well-treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is the one where an orphan is ill-treated."
• Significance: This Hadith highlights the importance of good treatment towards orphans and condemns ill-treatment.
• Sunan Abi Dawood:
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise," and he gestured with his index and middle fingers.
• Significance: This Hadith also emphasizes the great reward for sponsoring an orphan.
• Sunan Tirmidhi:
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever takes care of a Muslim orphan by providing him food and drink until he becomes independent, Allah will surely admit him to Paradise, unless he commits a sin that cannot be forgiven (i.e., Shirk)."
• Significance: This Hadith highlights the reward for fulfilling the basic needs of an orphan.
• Sahl bin Sa'd (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like these two," and he pointed with his index and middle fingers.
• Significance: This Hadith also emphasizes the greatness of the reward for sponsoring an orphan.
• Sunan Nasai:
• The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) did not disdain to walk with the widow and the poor to fulfill their needs.
• Significance: While specifically mentioning widows and the poor, this also includes orphans under the care of widows, showing the Prophet's (peace be upon him) compassion for orphans and the vulnerable.
• The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "O Allah! I warn people strongly against neglecting the rights of two weak ones: the orphan and the woman."
• Significance: This Hadith emphasizes the protection of the rights of orphans and women and warns against any form of injustice towards them.
• Sunan Ibn Majah:
• Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The best house among the Muslims is the one where an orphan is treated well, and the worst house among the Muslims is the one where an orphan is treated badly."
• Significance: This Hadith highlights the importance of good treatment towards orphans and the negative consequences of ill-treatment.

4. Rights of Orphans in Islam (یتیموں کے حقوق)

In light of the Quranic verses and Hadith, some important rights of orphans in Islam are as follows:

• Right to proper care and upbringing: Orphans have the right to basic necessities like food, clothing, and shelter, and to be brought up in the best possible manner. Providing them with affection, love, and a peaceful environment is also essential.
• Right to financial security and protection of property: Orphans have the right to the protection of their wealth and property, which should not be consumed unjustly. It is necessary to manage their wealth properly until they reach maturity and then return it to them [4:2, 4:6, 4:10].
• Right to education and training: Orphans have the right to receive appropriate education and training so that they can become productive members of society.
• Right to fair treatment and justice: Orphans have the right to be treated fairly in all matters and not to be subjected to any form of oppression or injustice [93:9].
• Right to inheritance: Orphans are entitled to a share in their parents' inheritance according to Islamic law ³. Although not detailed in these excerpts, the command to protect and return orphans' property indicates their right to ownership.
• Right to guardianship in marriage (for orphan girls): Islamic guidelines ensure the consent and fair treatment of orphan girls in marriage [4:3].

5. Practical Guidelines for Caring for Orphans (یتیموں کی پرورش کے آداب)

Based on the Quran and Sunnah, some practical guidelines for caring for orphans are as follows:

• Treat them with kindness and compassion: Orphans should be treated with gentleness and love, and any form of harshness or oppression should be avoided [93:9]. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself treated orphans with compassion and urged others to do so .
• Manage their financial affairs wisely: It is necessary to protect and use the wealth of orphans in the best possible way. If appropriate, it is permissible to invest their money for their benefit, but under no circumstances should their wealth be misused [4:6].
• Provide education and guidance: Proper arrangements should be made for the education and training of orphans so that they can acquire good morals and knowledge and become responsible members of society.
• Treat them like family: Orphans should be considered members of the household and given love and affection so that they do not feel the absence of their parents [2:220].
• Respect their opinions: When orphans reach maturity, their opinions should be respected in decisions related to their lives and wealth [4:6].
• Protect them from exploitation: Orphans should be protected from all forms of exploitation, especially in marriage and financial matters, and their rights should be taken care of [4:3, 4:10].

6. The Virtue of Caring for Orphans (فضیلت یتیموں کی کفالت)

Caring for orphans is a great act of virtue with numerous merits mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah:

• Attaining the nearness of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Paradise (various Hadith).
• Achieving softness of heart and spiritual purity (Hadith in Bukhari).
• Being counted among the best households of Muslims (Hadith in Muslim and Ibn Majah).
• Deserving Allah's pleasure and reward in this world and the Hereafter (general emphasis in the Quran and Sunnah).
• Possibility of forgiveness of sins (Hadith in Tirmidhi).
• Caring for orphans is considered equivalent to striving in the way of Allah or fasting during the day and praying at night.

7. Conclusion

Sponsoring orphans is a fundamental ethical and social responsibility in Islam, supported by numerous verses in the Holy Quran and Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) . Treating orphans kindly, protecting their rights, and ensuring their best upbringing is the duty of every Muslim . This act is promised immense rewards, while neglecting it carries severe warnings.

The care of orphans is not only the responsibility of individuals who provide them shelter but also of the entire Muslim community and the state . Collective efforts ensure that orphan children are not left helpless and that they attain a respectable position in society.