Islam

Care for Orphans

The sacred duty to protect, provide for, and raise orphans with kindness.

Kafaalat al-Yatama (كفالة اليتامى) is the duty to care for orphans—children who have lost their fathers. The Quran mentions orphans frequently, warning against consuming their property and commanding kindness. The Prophet (PBUH) himself was an orphan and showed special concern for them. He said: 'I and the guardian of an orphan will be in Paradise like this' (indicating his two fingers close together). Caring for orphans brings immense reward and closeness to the Prophet. Historically, sponsoring orphans was a means of softening the heart for those struggling spiritually.

And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.

Quran, Surah Al-Insan 76:8

The Prophet (PBUH) said: 'The one who looks after a widow or a poor person is like a Mujahid who fights for Allah's cause, or like one who prays all night and fasts all day.'

Quran

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  • What Islam says about justice

    Providing for the orphan is a repeated command, and the verse cited praises giving food while still wanting it yourself. Justice here is costly rather than surplus.