3 Hadiths from the Prophet (saww) on the Importance of Caring for Orphans 

Islam teaches us to live with compassion and a deep sense of responsibility for the vulnerable.  

One of the most vulnerable groups are orphans – children who have lost one or both parents and are in need of love, protection, and support. 

Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saww) placed immense importance on caring for orphans, not only as a moral duty, but as a way to attain closeness to Allah (swt). 

On this sacred day of the Shahadat of Prophet Muhammad (saww), let us remember the morals and teachings that he bestowed upon us – in the hopes that we can continue his legacy of care, faith, and devotion to those most in need. 

Below are three beautiful hadith that remind us of the incredible blessings tied to caring for orphans. 

1. With the Prophet (saww) in Paradise

It is narrated that the Holy Prophet (saww) has stated:  

“I and one who maintains an orphan would be together in Paradise in the presence of Allah, in the same way as these two fingers are together.’ And he pointed out to his index and the middle finger joined together.” (Bihar al-Anwar) 

This is a powerful reminder of how strongly the Prophet (saww) felt about the care of orphans.  

He didn’t simply instruct his followers to support orphans in need – he promised companionship with him in Paradise. 

2. Blessings and Good Deeds Beyond Measure 

Another narration states that the Prophet (saww) said: 

“If anyone from you becomes the guardian of an orphan and deals kindly with them, and he fulfills these actions satisfactorily, and he strokes the head of the orphan with sympathy, then Allah necessarily writes good deeds equivalent to the hair covered by his hand and forgives sins equal to the number of hair, and raises his position in grades equal to the hair of the orphan’s head.” (Bihar al-Anwar) 

This hadith beautifully illustrates that even the smallest act of affection, like gently placing a hand on an orphan’s head, carries spiritual blessings. 

In a world that often forgets the emotional needs of children, Islam teaches us that love and emotional care are just as important as material support.  

3. Our Duty to Console and Comfort 

Our noble Prophet (saww) is reported to have stated: 

“When an orphan cries the Heaven shudders, then Almighty Allah says, ‘O Angels, Is this the same orphan whose father has been buried in the earth?’ The Angels reply, ‘(O Allah) you are the all-knowing.’ Then Allah would say, ‘O My Angel be a witness. Whoever consoles this orphan and makes him happy, I will make him happy on the Day of Qiyama.’” (Bihar al-Anwar) 

Caring for an orphan doesn’t always have to involve financial help – sometimes, it’s about offering a listening ear or a comforting word.  

Allah (swt) Himself promises joy on the Day of Judgment to those who bring joy to an orphan’s heart. 

This hadith reminds us that empathy is also a form of worship – one that brings divine blessings. 

Our Duty as an Ummah 

At The Zahra Trust, we are committed to caring for orphans in need – wherever they may be in the world.  

Our teams are working in some of the most remote and underserved regions, ensuring that no child is left alone. 

Let us fulfill our duty as an Ummah, uplift the most vulnerable, and earn the closeness of our Prophet (saww) and the mercy of Allah (swt). 

On this sacred day of the Shahadat of Prophet Muhammad (saww), let us remember his profound morals and teachings – in the hopes that we can continue in his legacy. 

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