July 24, 2025
For orphaned children, a place to call home with someone to just be there to take care of them can seem like a distant dream. Left alone after harrowing conflicts, natural disasters, economic crises and other tragedies, these children often become forgotten and uncared for - in the most dangerous of environments.
The Prophet Muhammad (on him be peace) himself knew this reality, as he himself was an orphan, with his father Abdullah passing just six months before his birth, and losing his mother, Aminah, at the age of six. Having himself suffered immensely without the support of his parents, he continuously advocated for orphans throughout his life and in his mission. Read on to see what he said about caring for orphans, and how you can continue his example of supporting them through our orphan care and sponsorship programs.
A man came to the Prophet (on him be peace) and complained about the hardness in his heart. The Prophet (on him be peace) said, “If you desire to soften your heart, feed the poor and pat the head of the orphan.” (Musnad Aḥmad)
In Islam, having a soft and gentle heart full of compassion for one’s family, friends and community is what guides a Muslim in every act and intention he or she does. When we give from ourselves from a true place of love, we spread peace and ease the burdens of our human family and make life just a little bit easier. For orphans, who often have nobody that treats them with gentleness and care, someone taking steps to support and soothe their pains is a godsend - and something Muslims should aspire to do at least once in their lives.
I and the one who looks after an orphan and provides for them, will be [together] in Paradise like this,” putting his index and middle fingers together.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Throughout his life, the Prophet (on him be peace) saw the duty of caring for orphans as being utterly important - as without the care of a proper guardian, children are left physically helpless without food and shelter. Providing guidance, shelter, education, healthcare, daily necessities and more is no easy task, indeed nothing less than heroic. As such, one who undertakes these great responsibilities for the sake of a helpless orphan receives the personal presence and blessings of the Prophet (on him be peace) himself after death.
The best house amongst [those of] the Muslims is the house in which orphans are well-treated. [And] The worst house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are ill-treated. I and the guardian of the orphan will be in the Garden [of Paradise] like this," indicating his two [intertwined] fingers.” (Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)
Beyond providing basic necessities and shelter for an orphan, the manner in which an orphan’s caretaker administers this care is equally important. Gentleness, good humor and a loving concern for a child’s comprehensive wellbeing make what truly become an orphaned child’s home. Physical and psychological safety can only exist within a caring environment and are the foundation that fosters a child’s health, growth and development.
Through this blessed advice from the Prophet (on him be peace), Muslims are urged to put orphans foremost in their consciousness and provide protection, support and love for their development.
