This Act Brings You Close to the Prophet ﷺ

In Islam, caring for an orphan is one of the most noble acts a Muslim can do. An orphan is a child who has lost their father before reaching adulthood, and Islam places great emphasis on protecting them, honouring them and making sure they are not neglected.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed tremendous concern for orphans and encouraged his Companions رضي الله عنهم to care for them. He said:

“I and the one who cares for an orphan will be like this in Paradise.”

He ﷺ then indicated with his index and middle fingers, showing how close the person who cares for an orphan will be to him in Jannah. (Sahih al-Bukhari)

This is an extraordinary reward. Caring for an orphan is not simply an act of kindness towards another person; it can become a means of drawing closer to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in the Hereafter.

Allah ﷻ also repeatedly reminds us of the rights of orphans in the Qur'an. Muslims are commanded to treat them with kindness and protect their wealth from being taken unjustly. Allah ﷻ says:

“So as for the orphan, do not oppress him.” (Qur'an 93:9)

Looking after an orphan can take many forms. It could mean providing food and clothing, helping with their education, supporting their family financially, giving them a safe home, or simply showing them love and care. Even a small act of kindness can mean a great deal to a child who has experienced such a painful loss.

Islam teaches us not to look down upon those who are vulnerable or without parents to protect them. Instead, we should be people who step forward to care for them. Allah ﷻ warns against harsh treatment of orphans and praises those who give food to those in need for His sake.

Caring for an orphan also teaches us something about the kind of hearts Muslims should have. We should not only care about our own families and possessions. We should look beyond ourselves and notice those who need support, especially children who have lost someone so important in their lives.

The reward promised by the Prophet ﷺ should encourage every Muslim to seek opportunities to help an orphan. Whether through supporting an orphan financially, providing practical help, or simply treating an orphan with warmth and dignity, these acts can become a means of earning the pleasure of Allah ﷻ.

An orphan may have lost their father, but they should never be made to feel that they have been forgotten. Allah ﷻ sees every act of kindness done for them, and He knows every sacrifice made to bring them comfort.

Caring for an orphan is an act of mercy, and those who show mercy are promised the mercy of Allah ﷻ.