Caring for orphans is one of the most compassionate and rewarding forms of charity in Islam. Orphans, who have lost the love and support of their parents, rely on the kindness of others to provide them with care, education, and a stable future. Islam places great emphasis on supporting orphans, considering it a means of drawing closer to Allah and earning immense rewards.

The Status of Orphans in Islam

Islam upholds the dignity of orphans and urges believers to take responsibility for their well-being. The Quran repeatedly highlights the importance of treating orphans with kindness and fairness. Numerous verses and hadiths emphasize the importance of being kind and merciful towards them. Allah says in the Quran: “So as for the orphan, do not oppress him” (Surah Ad-Duha: 9), highlighting the importance of treating orphans with compassion.

Abu Darda the Sahabi of Rasul (SW) narrated: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ), peace and blessings be upon him, 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 needs. Source: Makārim al-Akhlāq lil-Kharā’iṭī 661.

Islam places great importance on the care and protection of orphans. The Quran and Hadith are filled with teachings that encourage Muslims to support them and warn against neglecting their rights.

1. Orphan Care in the Quran

Allah commands kindness and justice toward orphans in several places in the Quran:

“They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, “Whatever you spend on goods is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do is good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.” (Quran 2:215)

“So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him]. And as for the petitioner, do not repel [him].” (Quran 93:9-10)

These verses highlight the duty of Muslims to treat orphans with care, dignity, and fairness. Failing to do so is condemned, while fulfilling this obligation brings great rewards.

2. The Hadith on Supporting Orphans

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) set the best example of kindness toward orphans. He said:

“The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this,” – and he held his two fingers together. (Bukhari, 5304)

This hadith shows that looking after orphans is an act that brings a person closer to the Prophet himself in the afterlife. Such a reward signifies the high status of this noble deed.

The Orphan and the Prophet ﷺ: A Story of Mercy and Reward

In the heart of Madinah, during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, there lived a young orphan boy. His father had passed away when he was very young, leaving his mother to care for him with great difficulty. Despite the struggles of poverty, the boy’s mother always reminded him to trust in Allah and to follow the teachings of the beloved Prophet ﷺ.

One day, the boy had a small garden with a single palm tree, which he used to provide for his mother. However, a wealthy man in the neighborhood claimed that the tree actually belonged to him. The matter was taken to the Prophet ﷺ for judgment.

The Prophet ﷺ listened carefully to both sides. He asked the rich man if he would be willing to give the tree to the orphan in exchange for a tree in Paradise. But the wealthy man refused, unwilling to part with what he saw as his property.

At that moment, one of the Prophet’s companions, Abu Dahdah (RA), saw the situation and stepped forward. He owned a beautiful orchard full of palm trees. He approached the rich man and offered to trade his entire orchard for that single tree. The man, seeing the value of the offer, agreed immediately.

Abu Dahdah (RA) then turned to the Prophet ﷺ and said, “O Messenger of Allah, I have given the tree to the orphan.”

The Prophet ﷺ, deeply moved, said to Abu Dahdah (RA), “How many lush date palms in Paradise are now yours!”

The orphan boy was overjoyed, knowing that his small garden was now truly his. He ran home to tell his mother, who shed tears of gratitude and prayed for Abu Dahdah (RA).

This story highlights the immense reward of caring for orphans and the importance of generosity in Islam and also Islam teaches that helping orphans is not just an act of charity but a pathway to Jannah (Paradise). Those who care for orphans will be honored alongside the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgment.

The Benefits of Supporting Orphans

• Earning Allah’s Blessings: Taking care of an orphan is one of the most beloved acts to Allah. Those who care for orphans receive special mercy and blessings in their lives.
• Strengthening the Community: Education and care for orphans contribute to a stable, prosperous society.
• Purifying Wealth: Spending on orphans promotes generosity and compassion.
• Receiving Rewards in the Hereafter: The promise of proximity to the Prophet in Paradise motivates Muslims to help orphans.

How You Can Help

There are many ways to support orphans and make a lasting impact on their lives:

• Sponsoring an orphan: Many organizations provide opportunities to sponsor an orphan’s education, food, and healthcare.
• Providing education: Ensuring orphans have access to quality education equips them with the skills they need for a better future.
• Emotional support: Spending time with orphans and showing them love and care can greatly boost their confidence and emotional well-being.
• Financial contributions: Donating to orphanages, charities, or individuals in need can make a significant difference in their lives.

How Ansar Helping Hands provides them with a better future

Ansar Helping Hands is a non-governmental, non-political, and non-profit organization dedicated to serving orphans and vulnerable children. Operating through private funds and public donations, we have launched a special child care project designed to address the essential needs of orphans.Through this initiative, we provide:

• Nutritious Food – Ensuring no child goes hungry by offering balanced, wholesome meals.
• Safe Shelter – A warm, protective environment to call home, where children feel secure and cared for.

• Quality Education – Equipping children with knowledge, skills, and opportunities to build a self-sufficient future.
  
• Emotional & Psychological Support – Helping orphans heal from trauma, build confidence, and develop a positive outlook on life.
  
• Healthcare Services – Ensuring access to medical care, vaccinations, and hygiene essentials for a healthy life.
  
• Life Skills & Vocational Training – Preparing older children for independence through practical skills and career training.

At Ansar Helping Hands, we believe that every child deserves love, care, and the opportunity to thrive. Join us in making a lasting impact on their lives!

Join Us in Changing Lives

Your Small Acts, Impact big. Supporting orphans does not always require a large financial commitment. Simple acts, such as offering a kind word, providing mentorship, or even advocating for their rights, can have a profound effect. Islam teaches that every small good deed counts, and any effort to help an orphan is rewarded.

To continue our mission of humanitarian aid and upholding human rights, we seek your support. Your donation is not just charity; it is an investment in a child’s future and a means of earning endless rewards in this life and the Hereafter.

Be the reason an orphan smiles today. Give your Sadaqah and make a difference.

You can help the orphans by donating Us Here