Allah and His Messenger have commanded Muslims to love orphans, as mentioned in the verses and hadiths about orphans. So, what are the virtues of caring for orphans for Muslims?
Almost everyone wants to have a childhood accompanied by both parents, but in reality, not all children are privileged to have that. Many children are forced to lose one or both of their parents, leaving them orphaned and destitute. They fall into the category of those in need economically. This is why Allah and His Messenger have emphasized the importance of caring for orphans. This is also emphasized in the hadith about orphans from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here is a detailed explanation.
Read also: Orphan Entrepreneurship Program, YE-Pro Batch II Graduation of 81 Children
Definition of Orphans
In short, an orphan is a child whose parents have died. However, this needs to be clarified because there are certain conditions under which a child can be called an orphan. According to the hadith on orphans narrated by Abu Daud, a person who has reached puberty can no longer be categorized as an orphan.
In addition, if someone meets the following criteria, they can no longer be considered an orphan:
- Is over 15 years old
- Has fine hair in sensitive areas
- Has had a wet dream (for boys)
- Has had a menstrual period (for girls)
The Virtue of Caring for Orphans
Orphans have a special virtue in Islam. Whoever cares for and loves orphans will be loved by Allah and His Messenger. It is only right that orphans receive protection from the adults around them. The good deeds that a Muslim must do for orphans are to provide protection and respect their position as human beings in their entirety.
Additionally, devout Muslims are not permitted or allowed to mistreat, scold, or act arbitrarily toward orphaned children. On the contrary, Muslims are obligated to love them. Below are the virtues of caring for orphaned children for those who do so, complete with hadiths about orphaned children from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Read also: How Much Charity Should Be Given to Orphans? Here’s the Calculation
1. Protection from Misfortune and Danger
According to the hadith of the orphan narrated by At-Thabrani, seventy doors of misfortune will be closed for anyone who cares for orphans. The Prophet also said that the way to ward off misfortune and protect oneself from danger is to increase almsgiving to orphans.
It can be said that giving charity to orphans in need can serve as a powerful repellent against calamities.
2. Expanding the Flow of Sustenance
Never hesitate to give charity to orphans, because for those who give charity to orphans sincerely, Allah will replace it with sustenance multiplied many times over. This is confirmed in the hadith of orphans narrated by Al-Baihaqi. In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said that anyone who gives alms to orphans and the poor, Allah will send sustenance to them.
3. Becoming a companion of the Prophet Muhammad in the hereafter
Another hadith of orphans is recorded in the sahih Bukhari. In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad said that those who love, care for, or give charity to orphans will be his companions in Paradise. He indicated this by spreading his index and middle fingers slightly apart. This gesture symbolizes the closeness between the Prophet Muhammad and those who show kindness to orphans in the hereafter.
That is the complete explanation of the hadith about orphans, along with the virtues of caring for them. Giving charity and treating orphans well will certainly bring positive rewards for oneself. In Indonesia, there are many orphans and children who have lost both parents who need help. For donors who wish to share, you can channel your donations or useful items for orphans through Dompet Dhuafa.
Dompet Dhuafa guarantees that the donations entrusted by donors to the institution will truly reach the orphans in need. Donors can also monitor the financial reports provided in detail, transparently, and thoroughly.