Orphan care is one of the prominent themes in Islamic teachings. An orphan is a child who has lost their father and has been deprived of guardianship. Islam, as a complete religion, emphasizes supporting the weak and helpless, especially orphans, and considers such support among the greatest good deeds. This article explores the importance of orphan care in Islam based on verses from the Qur’an and Prophetic traditions.
Introduction
Orphans are among the most vulnerable members of any society and are in need of compassion and support. Islam, by emphasizing human and moral values, calls on Muslims to be kind, help the needy, and support orphans. Orphan care is not only a social responsibility, but in Islamic culture, it is also regarded as a means of drawing closer to God and attaining His pleasure.
Qur’anic Verses on Orphan Care
The Holy Qur’an frequently mentions the rights of orphans and urges Muslims to treat them with kindness. Some of the prominent verses in this regard are:
1. Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 220: (وَيَسْأَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْيَتَامَىٰ قُلْ إِصْلَاحٌ لَهُمْ خَيْرٌ) Translation: And they ask you about orphans. Say, ‘Improvement for them is best.
2. Surah An-Nisa, Verse 10: (إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ الْيَتَامَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًا وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيرًا) Translation: “Indeed, those who consume the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming fire into their bellies, and they will be burned in a Blaze.”
3. Surah Ad-Duhaa, Verses 9–10: (فَأَمَّا الْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ وَأَمَّا السَّائِلَ فَلَا تَنْهَرْ) Translation: “So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him]. And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].”
Prophetic Traditions on Orphan Care
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims through his words and actions to care for orphans and promised great rewards for doing so:
1. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “أنا وكافل اليتيم في الجنة هكذا” Translation: “I and the guardian of an orphan will be in Paradise like this,” (and he held his two fingers together). [Sahih Bukhari]
2. He also said: “خَيْرُ بَيْتٍ فِي الْمُسْلِمِينَ بَيْتٌ فِيهِ يَتِيمٌ يُحْسَنُ إِلَيْهِ، وَشَرُّ بَيْتٍ فِي الْمُسْلِمِينَ بَيْتٌ فِيهِ يَتِيمٌ يُسَاءُ إِلَيْهِ” Translation: “The best house among the Muslims is the one in which an orphan is treated well, and the worst house is the one in which an orphan is mistreated.” [Sunan Ibn Majah]
3. The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: “من مسح رأس يتيم لم يمسحه إلا لله، كان له بكل شعرة مرت عليها يده حسنات” Translation: “Whoever caresses the head of an orphan solely for the sake of Allah, will receive a good deed for every hair his hand touches.” [Musnad Ahmad]
Raising and Caring for Orphans
The upbringing and care of orphans is a matter of significant importance in various societies. The reasons for its importance include:
1. Humanity and Empathy: One of the core values of human society is empathy and helping others. Supporting orphans reflects one’s humanity and altruism.
2. Social Responsibility: In many cultures and religions, caring for orphans is seen as a moral and social obligation, ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children.
3. Training the Next Generation: Orphans are part of the future generation. Their proper upbringing can have deep impacts on society’s future. Education and care of orphans lay the foundation for growth and development.
4. Prevention of Social Harms: Orphans who lack support may be exposed to social risks such as poverty, delinquency, and exploitation. Supporting them can reduce such problems.
5. Proper Education and Upbringing: Providing educational and developmental opportunities not only ensures their rights but also enables them to realize their potential and talents.
6. Divine Command: God explicitly commands the eradication of injustice and the protection of orphans’ rights in the Qur’an. One of the most important verses is Surah An-Nisa, verse 10:
“Indeed, those who consume the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming fire into their bellies.”
7. Spiritual Rewards: Orphan care brings immense spiritual rewards. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “I and the guardian of an orphan will be like these two fingers in Paradise.” This statement shows the closeness to God and the heavenly rewards for this noble act.
8. Promotion of Human Values: Caring for orphans reflects values such as compassion, kindness, and empathy. Islam emphasizes that Muslims should support and help one another.
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