Orphans in Islam: Rights, Responsibilities, and Rewards

Islam and the Rights of Orphans: Their Significance and Protection
Written by: Qari Usama bin Abdus Salam (Hafizahullah)

❖ Introduction​

Islam places profound importance on the protection of orphan rights and the kind treatment of orphans. Oppression against orphans, violating their rights, or consuming their wealth unjustly is strictly prohibited in the Qur'an and Sunnah. This article highlights the rights and significance of orphans in light of the Islamic teachings.

① Orphans’ Rights in the Noble Qur'an​

◈ Condemnation of Usurping Orphans’ Wealth:
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَالَ الْيَتَامَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِي بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًا وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيرًا
(Surah An-Nisa: 10)


Translation: “Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming fire into their bellies, and they will burn in a Blaze.”


Explanation:
This verse makes it explicitly clear that those who wrongfully consume an orphan’s wealth will face a severe punishment on the Day of Judgment.


◈ Safeguarding Orphans’ Wealth:
وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِالَّتِي هِيَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ
(Surah Al-An'am: 152)


Translation: “Do not approach the orphan’s property except in a way that is best, until he reaches maturity.”


Explanation:
Allah commands the protection of an orphan’s wealth and permits its use only in a rightful and beneficial manner until the orphan matures.


◈ Kindness Towards Orphans:
فَأَمَّا الْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ
(Surah Ad-Duha: 9)


Translation: “So as for the orphan, do not oppress him.”


Explanation:
This verse emphasizes that one must not be harsh towards orphans and instead treat them with compassion and gentleness.

② Orphans’ Rights in the Noble Hadith​

◈ Reward for Supporting an Orphan:
أنا وَكافِلُ اليَتِيمِ في الجَنَّةِ هَكَذا، وأشارَ بالسَّبَّابَةِ والوُسْطَى
(Sahih Bukhari, Hadith No. 6005)


Translation: “I and the one who looks after an orphan will be in Paradise like this,” and he indicated with his index and middle fingers (showing closeness).


Explanation:
This Hadith highlights the immense reward of being close to the Prophet ﷺ in Paradise for those who support orphans.


◈ Condemnation of Violating Orphan Rights:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أُحَرِّجُ حَقَّ الضَّعِيفَيْنِ: اليَتِيمِ وَالمَرْأَةِ
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 3678)


Translation: “O Allah, I warn against violating the rights of the two weak ones: the orphan and the woman.”


Explanation:
This Hadith underscores the importance of justice and protection concerning orphans and women, who are often vulnerable in society.


◈ Reward for Showing Affection to Orphans:
مَن مَسَحَ برَأسِ يَتيمٍ لَهُ كانَ بِكُلِّ شَعْرَةٍ حَسَنَةٌ
(Musnad Ahmad, Hadith No. 12126)


Translation: “Whoever lovingly passes his hand over the head of an orphan, a good deed will be recorded for every hair his hand passes over.”


Explanation:
This Hadith illustrates the virtue and reward in showing kindness and love towards orphans.

③ Examples from the Lives of the Righteous​

◈ ʿUmar ibn Al-Khattab’s (رضي الله عنه) Care for Orphans:
During his caliphate, ʿUmar (رضي الله عنه) was exceptionally mindful of orphans’ rights. On one occasion, when he found that a woman’s children were hungry, he personally carried food for them and fed them himself.
(Reference: Tārīkh al-Khulafāʾ)



◈ Orphan Rights in Islamic Society:
In an Islamic system, the care and protection of orphans and their rights are considered a collective responsibility of the state.

④ Conclusion​

Islam strongly advocates kindness towards orphans, safeguarding their rights, and protecting their wealth as a trust. Severe warnings have been issued against those who oppress orphans. It is obligatory for Muslims to deal with orphans compassionately and ensure the protection of their rights in all aspects.