The title of an orphan is a gift bestowed by Allah SWT only to his chosen servants. This is because many among the past ulama’ and also in current time became orphans at a young age. In addition, our great prophet Muhammad SAW was an orphan even from when he was being carried by his mother.

From Abu Hurairah RA, the Prophet SAW said: “One who looks after the orphan whether he is his relative or not, I and he would be together in Paradise like this, and Malik (explained it) with the gesture by drawing his index finger and middle finger close together.” Sahih Muslim, 2983

According to Syeikh Muhamad Fu’ad Abd al-Baqi RA when explaining this hadith, what was meant by “كافل اليتيم ”, those that takes care of orphans are those that carry out matters regarding the welfare of the orphan like his/her money, clothes, teaching manners, education and so on. These benefits will be obtained by those that take care of orphans using their own resources, or using the orphans’ resource with guardian’s right.

In conclusion, as we know the immense rewards or benefits granted to people who look after orphans, we should care for them with the love and kindness that they deserve. After all, they are children that need and hope for love from parental figures like all of us.

May Allah SWT always safeguard these children and also all of us from committing sins that can hurt, exploit, or terrorize them.