30 Jun 2021

Status Of Orphans In Islam

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Islam rewards those who take care of orphans and destitute children. There are several places in the Holy Qur’an that encourage spending on the needs of orphans and widows. In addition, stern warnings have been given for these people not meeting their obligations.  There is a great virtue in the hadith of treating the Orphans well and Take care of them. Therefore, the Prophet (SAW) said:

“خير بيت في بيوت المسلمين هو البيت الذي يعامل فيه اليتيم معاملة حسنة ، وأسوأ بيت في بيت المسلمين هو الذي يسيء فيه اليتيم”.

“The best house in the homes of Muslims is the house in which the orphan is treated well, and the worst house in the Muslim house is the one in which the orphan is mistreated.”

Who is an Orphan?

Orphans are those children whose fathers died before they reached adulthood.  Children who lose both their parents before they become adults are also called orphans. They certainly deserve more love. Similarly, if a child’s mother dies while he is still a child, he is classified as an orphan. Religions such as Islam have always lifted the oppressed and deprived them of their social status. This improved their morale. Our responsibilities include treating them well. It is natural to love children.

Orphans in Islam

The condition of orphans in Muslim societies is poor due to a lack of knowledge of Islamic teachings, and the neglect of religion. Their land and properties are usurped, their education and upbringing are neglected, and their rights are violated. But Islam gives them equal rights of living their lives freely. So, here we compiled some points that Islam teaches us about orphans. After reading this we will be clear about orphans’ status in Islam.

Support Orphans

A child with an orphanage has a right to receive assistance. According to Islam, it’s their right to support them properly whenever they need support. Those in authority need to ensure orphans receive their fair share of charity and Zakat. Because According to Islam, these funds belong to the poor and needy Muslims.

‘They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend [in charity]. Say, “Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveller. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is knowing of it.”’
Al Baqarah: 215

Feed Orphan Children

It is necessary to feed orphans in Islam. Allah promised a big reward for those who help needy people and feed them. so being a Muslim, it is our duty to ensure that malnourished children are fed. In the Quran and Sunnah, Allah (SWT) and Prophet Muhammad (saw) repeatedly mention the promise of Jannah, which makes you realize the importance of caring for orphans and children.

وَيُطْعِمُونَ الطَّعَامَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِ مِسْكِينًا وَيَتِيمًا وَأَسِيرًا

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive. (89:17)

Conclusion

A child’s rights in Islam include protection, care, and consideration. As orphans, their rights remain the same. As an orphan, Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him) was himself. It’s important to remember that in the Quran and Sunnah orphans are given great importance. We should follow Islamic teaching and take care of orphans.

Abu Hurairah (RA) reports that the Messenger of Allah (SAW) stated” Whoever caresses the head of an orphan (in affection), solely for the sake of Allah, a good deed will be written to his account for every hair over which he passed his hand


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