Morality & Ethics (Akhlaq)

Caring for Orphans and the Needy

Caring for Orphans and the Needy

Introduction
Quranic Teachings on Orphans and the Needy
Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Hadith)
Arabic Insights: Key Terms and Their Meanings
Historical Context: Examples from Early Islam
Modern-Day Applications: Caring for Orphans and the Needy Today
Insights from Islamic Scholars (Classical and Contemporary)
Islamic Schools of Thought: Do They Differ?
Why Islam’s Approach is Superior
Miracles and Blessings Related to Helping Others
Conclusion: Putting It Into Practice Today
Recommended Books for Further Reading

Introduction

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself began life as an orphan, growing up without a father's care and support. His challenging childhood wasn't accidental—it was divinely chosen to shape a powerful legacy of empathy and compassion. From his personal experience emerged Islam’s profound emphasis on kindness, mercy, and care for orphans and the needy.

Islam teaches that caring for the vulnerable isn't just charity—it's a sacred duty and a direct path to Paradise. Every act of kindness towards an orphan or a person in need is an act of worship, pleasing to Allah and deeply rewarding. Through the clear teachings of the Qur’an and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims are shown that generosity, compassion, and justice must be at the heart of every believer’s life.

In this article, we'll explore how Islam uniquely combines spiritual devotion with practical care, creating a social system rooted in love and fairness. We’ll examine inspiring examples from Islamic history, unpack powerful Arabic terms that deepen our understanding, and highlight timeless wisdom from both classical and contemporary Islamic scholars. By the end, you'll see why Islam’s approach to caring for the orphans and needy stands unparalleled in its compassion and effectiveness—transforming hearts, communities, and societies.

Quranic Teachings on Orphans and the Needy

The Qur’an mentions orphans (yatīm in Arabic) and the poor (miskīn) many times. Believers are repeatedly instructed to be kind, fair, and generous to them. Here are some key Quranic verses on this topic:

“Righteousness is not in turning your faces towards the east or the west. Rather, the righteous are those who believe in Allah, the Last Day, the angels, the Book, and the prophets; and who give wealth, despite loving it, to relatives, orphans, the poor, travelers, and those who ask for help, and for freeing slaves; who establish prayer and give zakāh; who fulfill their promises; and who are patient in poverty, hardship, and battle. These are the truthful and the pious.” – (Qur’an 2:177)

“They ask you, [O Prophet], what they should spend [in charity]. Say: Whatever you spend of good is for parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, and travelers. And whatever good you do, Allah certainly knows it well.” – (Qur’an 2:215)

“Indeed, those who wrongfully consume the property of orphans are actually swallowing fire into their bellies, and they will be burned in a blazing flame.” – (Qur’an 4:10)

“No! But you do not honor the orphan, nor do you encourage one another to feed the poor.” – (Qur’an 89:17–18)

“So do not oppress the orphan, nor repulse the beggar.” – (Qur’an 93:9–10)

“Have you seen the one who denies the religion? That is the person who pushes away the orphan and does not encourage feeding the poor.” – (Qur’an 107:1–3)

“They [the righteous] give food—despite their own desire for it—to the needy, the orphan, and the captive, [saying], ‘We feed you only for the sake of Allah, expecting no reward or thanks from you.’” – (Qur’an 76:8–9)

In these verses (and many others), caring for orphans and the poor is directly tied to righteousness and true belief. For example, Surah Al-Mā‘ūn (Chapter 107) equates neglecting orphans and the hungry with denying one’s faith. Allah warns against mistreating orphans or devouring their wealth, calling such behavior a grave sin. On the positive side, the Qur’an praises those who give their beloved food and wealth to the less fortunate purely out of love for Allah.

Notably, Allah reminds us in Surah Ad-Duḥā (Chapter 93) that He blessed the Prophet Muhammad when he was an orphan. The verses then command: “Therefore, do not oppress the orphan,” linking it to the Prophet’s own life. This historical reminder teaches Muslims to empathize – to remember that the greatest role model (the Prophet) was once an orphan in need of care. Every orphan or hungry person today should be treated with the same kindness that the young Muhammad ﷺ received from his family and community by God’s grace.

Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (Hadith)

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) strongly emphasized helping orphans, widows, and the poor. He lived very humbly and was always generous despite having little. Many hadith (recorded sayings) of the Prophet highlight the virtue of caring for these vulnerable groups. Here are a few authentic hadiths:

The Prophet ﷺ said, “I and the one who cares for an orphan will be in Paradise like this,” and he held his index and middle fingers together. – (Sahih Bukhari)

The Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever looks after a widow or a poor person is like a warrior who fights for Allah’s cause, or like one who prays all night and fasts all day.” – (Sahih Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

These sayings promise immense rewards. In the first hadith, the Prophet raises his two fingers side-by-side, showing that the person who takes care of an orphan will be as close to him in Heaven as those two fingers. Imagine being that near to Prophet Muhammad in Paradise! It signifies a place of great honor. The second hadith compares caring for a widow or a poor person to fighting for a noble cause or continuously praying and fasting – highlighting that serving people in need is as rewardable as the most devout acts of worship.

There are many other sayings as well. In one narration, the Prophet advised a man who felt hard-hearted to “soften your heart by feeding the poor and patting the head of an orphan.” This gentle advice shows that helping those in need not only aids them but also purifies our own hearts. In another famous saying, the Prophet declared that “the best house among Muslims is the house in which an orphan is treated kindly.” Although this particular narration is considered less authentic by scholars, its meaning aligns with the overall Islamic ethos: the way we treat orphans and the destitute can make our home blessed or, if we mistreat them, deprived of blessings.

Arabic Insights: Key Terms and Their Meanings

Islam’s original sources are in Arabic, and understanding certain Arabic words can deepen our appreciation of these teachings:

Yatīm (يتيم) – Commonly translated as “orphan.” In Arabic, yatīm specifically refers to a child who has lost their father (and is still under the age of maturity). Such a child has no financial supporter or protector, making them vulnerable in society. Islam expanded this term to care for any child without parents or proper guardianship. Orphans must be treated with love, and their property (if they have any inheritance) must be safeguarded until they mature. The Qur’an even uses yatīm to remind the Prophet of his own childhood: “Did He not find you an orphan and shelter you?” (93:6).
Miskīn (مسكين) – This word means a needy or destitute person. A miskīn is someone who doesn’t have enough to meet basic needs. In English it’s often translated as “the poor.” The Qur’an often pairs miskīn with faqīr (another word for a poor person) when listing those who should receive charity. Some scholars differentiate the two: for instance, a faqīr might be completely without resources, while a miskīn has something but not enough to avoid poverty. In any case, both terms refer to people in financial hardship. Notably, Islam honors the miskīn by encouraging us to give them charity quietly and respectfully. The Prophet ﷺ said truly needy people may appear self-respecting and not beg; Muslims should seek them out and help them without them having to ask.
Kāfil (كافل) – This means a guardian or sponsor, especially of an orphan. The hadith above uses the phrase “kāfil al-yatīm” for the person who looks after an orphan’s upbringing and needs. Being a kāfil is a noble role in Islam. Unlike formal adoption (which changes a child’s surname or inheritance rights), kafāla in Islam means to foster or sponsor a child — providing love, education, and care while preserving the child’s identity and family lineage. The Prophet ﷺ himself was looked after by his grandfather Abdul Muttalib and then his uncle Abu Talib as kāfils (caretakers).
Ṣadaqah (صدقة) – This term refers to voluntary charity. It comes from a root meaning “truth” because giving charity is a true proof of one’s faith. Ṣadaqah can be any act of giving to please God – not only money, but even a smile is considered sadaqah. When we give ṣadaqah to help an orphan or a poor person, we are practicing the Prophet’s teachings. The Prophet ﷺ said “charity does not decrease wealth,” meaning when you give for Allah’s sake, that money returns in blessings and reward.
Zakāh (زكاة) – This is the obligatory charity, a fixed percentage of one’s surplus wealth that each Muslim must give yearly to specified categories, which include the poor and orphans. The word zakāh means purification and growth. By giving zakāh, one’s remaining wealth is purified and one’s heart is cleansed of greed. Zakāh is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, underlining how central caring for the needy is in our religion. It creates a constant flow of support to the poor. In early Islamic history, orphans often received stipends from the public treasury or community zakāh funds.

Understanding these terms helps us see that caring for orphans and the needy isn’t just an abstract idea in Islam – it’s built into the language of the faith. The Qur’an and Hadith use strong, evocative words to make us feel responsible for those less fortunate. Muslims are taught to see orphans as their own children and the poor as their own brothers and sisters.

Historical Context: Examples from Early Islam

Before Islam, orphans and the poor had very few rights in Arabian society. They were often neglected, and unscrupulous guardians might even seize an orphan’s inheritance. Islam changed this reality drastically by condemning those practices and establishing care for the vulnerable as a divine command. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself set the example – as an orphan who became a compassionate leader, he made sure the weak were not left behind.

The Prophet’s closest companions followed his path. Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, the first Caliph, would still personally milk the goats of orphaned families in his neighborhood even after becoming the ruler, so that those orphans would not feel any loss of support. Umar ibn al-Khattab, the second Caliph, was famous for walking the streets at night to check on people. In one instance, he discovered a widow trying to soothe her hungry children to sleep with an empty pot on the fire. Umar immediately rushed to the public storehouse, carried a sack of food on his own back, and cooked a meal for them – apologizing to the mother for her hardship. Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth Caliph, once disguised himself to help a poor widow and her little children. He carried food to her house and played with her orphans to calm them, only revealing his identity later. These leaders viewed caring for orphans, widows, and the destitute as an essential part of governance, not merely charity.

Beyond individual efforts, the early Muslim community built structures to support the needy. The institution of the Bayt al-Māl (the public treasury) was used to provide stipends to orphans, widows, and the poor. Throughout Islamic civilization, many wealthy Muslims established charitable endowments (awqāf). These endowments funded things like orphanages, free schools, water fountains, and soup kitchens for the poor. This historical legacy shows that caring for orphans and the needy wasn’t just left to personal whim – it was organized and deeply embedded in Muslim society. Muslims took pride in making their community a place where no one is abandoned or left starving, embodying the Quranic ideal of a “brotherhood” of believers.

Modern-Day Applications: Caring for Orphans and the Needy Today

The duty to care for orphans and the poor is just as pressing in our modern world. In fact, due to wars, disasters, and poverty in many regions, the number of vulnerable orphans and families is very high. Islamic teachings are timeless, and Muslims today strive to apply these principles in contemporary ways. Here are some examples:

Orphan Sponsorship: Many Muslims support orphans through sponsorship programs run by charitable organizations. For example, for a monthly donation, you can cover an orphan’s basic needs and education in various countries. This way, even if you cannot physically foster a child, you act as a financial guardian from afar (kāfil). Such programs are widespread, and they echo the Prophet’s promise of closeness in Paradise for those who care for orphans.
Foster Care (Kafāla): Instead of formal adoption that changes a child’s lineage, Islam encourages kafāla – fostering an orphan while keeping the child’s original family name and identity. You raise and love the child as your own, but you don’t pretend to be their biological parent. This preserves the orphan’s rights in inheritance and their familial roots, as required in Islam. Many Muslim families today engage in foster care, providing homes for children in need while observing these guidelines. This way, orphans get the warmth of a family without confusion about their ancestry, fulfilling both emotional and legal considerations.
Zakāt and Ongoing Charity: Muslims continue to pay zakāh (obligatory alms) every year, which, when organized, becomes a powerful engine for poverty alleviation. In addition, there is abundant ṣadaqah (voluntary charity) given daily by individuals. Muslim-led charities operate worldwide, building orphanages, schools, and clinics, and providing relief in disaster zones – all fueled by donations inspired by Quranic verses and hadith. On the local level, mosques and community groups regularly hold food drives, free medical clinics, or fundraisers to help neighbors with rent or bills. It’s common for a mosque to announce that a community member is in need and within days collect enough funds to support them. This spirit of giving – locally and globally – remains a defining feature of Muslim communities. Even simple acts like cooking extra food to share with a less fortunate family, or dropping off groceries to a sick neighbor, are part of living these teachings today.

Muslims also emphasize sustainable help. Charity is not only about handouts; it’s also about empowerment. For instance, some organizations provide job training to widows or scholarships to orphaned youths, aligning with Islam’s goal of helping people stand on their own feet with dignity. When we combine financial aid with compassion and practical support, we continue the Prophet’s mission of mercy in the modern age.

Insights from Islamic Scholars (Classical and Contemporary)

Throughout Islamic history, scholars have consistently taught the importance of caring for orphans and the poor. There has been remarkable consensus on these virtues across all major schools of thought. Let’s look at some insights:

Classical Scholars: Early scholars who explained the Qur’an (mufassirīn) and hadith emphasized social welfare. Imam Ibn Kathīr (a 14th-century scholar) in his Quran commentary noted that when Allah says “do not oppress the orphan” (Qur’an 93:9), it means not to humiliate, harshly rebuke, or look down upon an orphan in any way. Instead, we should honor them as we would honor our own child. Many classical scholars point out that the Qur’an’s frequent mention of orphans is a direct response to the unjust practices of pre-Islamic society. For example, Imam al-Qurṭubī writes that verses like 4:10 (about consuming an orphan’s property being like eating fire) instilled fear of God in the hearts of guardians. This fear made Muslim caregivers scrupulously honest; some would separate an orphan’s food and even feel guilty if the orphan’s portion accidentally mixed with theirs! Such was the level of care encouraged.

Al-Ghazālī, a great theologian of the 11th–12th century, included chapters about charity and kindness in his famous work Iḥyā’ ‘Ulūm al-Dīn (“Revival of the Religious Sciences”). He explains that generosity and compassion for the vulnerable are not just good deeds but cures for diseases of the heart like greed and arrogance. He cites hadiths and stories of the Prophet and Companions to show that serving the poor is a means of purifying one’s soul and earning Allah’s love. Imam Ghazālī warns that neglecting the poor and orphans hardens the heart and invites divine displeasure, whereas showing mercy brings God’s mercy upon us.

Classical jurists (fuqahā’) from all four madhāhib (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) also agreed on obligations toward orphans. They discussed issues like: At what age can an orphan manage his property? How should a guardian invest an orphan’s wealth to preserve it? and What constitutes misuse of that wealth? While their legal opinions might differ in nuance, their moral stance is uniform. For instance, Imam Abū Ḥanīfa allowed a trustworthy guardian to invest an orphan’s money in trade so it doesn’t depreciate (since zakāh could otherwise slowly decrease the savings each year). Imam al-Shāfi’ī, similarly, said the guardian may spend from the orphan’s wealth only what is absolutely needed for the orphan’s upbringing if the guardian himself is poor, and nothing if the guardian is well-off – aligning with the Quranic rule (4:6) “if the guardian is rich, let him not take anything; if he is poor, let him take reasonably.” Across all schools, to wrong an orphan is listed as a major sin, and to care for an orphan is a major virtue.

Contemporary Scholars: Modern Muslim scholars and speakers continue to stress these teachings and apply them to today’s context. For example, scholars like Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī have pointed out that Islam’s system of zakāh was a precursor to modern welfare systems, but with a spiritual dimension. In his book Fiqh az-Zakāh, al-Qaradawi argues that no secular system has been able to create the kind of balanced compassion that Islam creates – where people give not under force of law alone, but from faith and love of God. He notes how even in economically tough times, Muslims still give charity because they believe God will reward them, which is a powerful motivator beyond any tax incentive.

In Western countries, scholars such as Dr. Omar Suleiman (an American Muslim scholar) speak about “reviving the lost Sunnah” of taking care of orphans and foster children. He highlights that many of the Prophet’s companions grew up as orphans or ended up caring for orphans. For example, the companion Jābir ibn ‘Abdullāh was a young man whose father died, leaving him to care for several younger sisters – a heavy responsibility that the community supported him in. Dr. Suleiman encourages Muslim families today to foster orphans in need of homes, giving them a loving environment while keeping Islamic guidelines (like maintaining the child’s lineage and identity). His organization provides resources for Muslims to navigate foster care in a way that fulfills both legal requirements and Islamic principles.

Another contemporary voice, Mufti Ismail Menk, often reminds audiences that helping the poor is a direct route to earning Allah’s blessings in one’s own life. He shares simple stories – for instance, how giving charity has coincided with people overcoming personal hardships or finding unexpected ease in their affairs. These anecdotes mirror the Prophet’s teachings about charity bringing mercy. The lesson is that when we care for those who have less, Allah may help us in ways we didn’t expect. Scholars like Mufti Menk aim to inspire especially the youth to “be the reason someone believes in the goodness of Muslims” by caring for neighbors, classmates, or anyone in need.

In summary, scholarly commentary old and new reinforces that charity and social care are at the heart of Islam. There’s virtually no debate on that. Differences among scholars are only in how to best implement these duties (the mechanisms, priorities, and ensuring fairness). But on the why and what, all scholars agree because the Qur’an and Hadith are so clear on it. As one classical scholar said, “If the Muslim community were a body, caring for the vulnerable would be its heart.”

Islamic Schools of Thought: Do They Differ?

Do the four schools of Islamic law (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali) differ regarding caring for orphans and the needy? On core principles, no – they do not differ. All schools draw from the same Quranic verses and Prophetic teachings that command kindness and generosity. However, they may discuss different aspects of how to fulfill these commands in practice. Here are a few points:

Legal Responsibility: All schools agree that safeguarding an orphan’s life, wealth, and well-being is a communal obligation (farḍ kifāyah) – meaning if no one in society takes care of the orphan, the whole community is at fault. They also all emphasize that guardians must be just and gentle. No scholar from any school permits abuse or neglect of an orphan or refusal to help a beggar. These are seen as clear prohibitions from the Qur’an and Sunnah.
When Does an Orphan Stop Being an Orphan? In Islamic law, a child is considered an orphan until reaching puberty (approximately the teen years). After that, they are no longer a minor in need of special guardianship in the legal sense. All schools concur on this general rule, based on hadith and practice. They also interpret the Qur’an’s instruction in 4:6 to “test the orphans until the age of marriage; if you find them mature of mind, hand over their property to them.” This means when the child is old enough and responsible enough, the guardian should return control of any inherited wealth to them. Scholars differ slightly on how to test maturity – some suggest a specific age (like 15), while others emphasize a case-by-case assessment of the youth’s ability to manage money. But again, these are technical details; the aim (agreed by all) is to ensure the orphan is ready and won’t squander their property.
Using the Orphan’s Wealth: The Qur’an (4:10 and 4:6) warns guardians not to eat up an orphan’s wealth. But it also acknowledges that a caretaker might be poor himself and spending time raising the orphan. Jurists from all schools say if a guardian is financially capable, he should not take a penny from the orphan’s funds – he should do it purely for Allah’s sake. If the guardian is poor, then scholars allow him to take a reasonable amount as pay for the child’s upkeep. What is “reasonable” is defined similarly by the schools – just enough to cover basic needs, not to enrich oneself. The Hanafi school even encouraged investing the orphan’s wealth in a safe trade or business so that it grows rather than sitting idle (and being reduced by yearly zakāh). Other schools agreed that investment is permissible if it clearly benefits the orphan. But all schools would condemn a guardian who, for example, uses an orphan’s money to buy luxuries for himself or who fails to spend it on the orphan’s welfare. Such a person, according to Islamic law, would be committing a major sin and could be liable for punishment.
Zakāh Eligibility: There is also consensus that poor orphans and needy people are eligible to receive zakāh. Some jurists discuss, if an orphan inherited some wealth (but it’s being saved for them until adulthood), can they still be given zakāh while they are young? Many say yes – because if the child has no access to that wealth yet and their day-to-day needs aren’t met, they are effectively poor. Others say the guardian should use the orphan’s own wealth first for their needs. These debates are nuanced, but all agree that whether through zakāh or other means, the orphan must be provided for.

In essence, the Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, and Hanbali schools all bow to the clear directives of the Qur’an and Prophetic example in this matter. A famous principle in Islamic jurisprudence is “There is no differing in matters that are clear.” Caring for orphans and the poor is one of those clear, emphatic matters. So whatever school a Muslim follows, they will hear the same verses in the mosque and the same hadiths inspiring them to feed the hungry and shelter the orphan. This unity is a beautiful aspect of Islamic morals – it’s something all scholars and schools celebrate together.

Why Islam’s Approach is Superior

From a philosophical perspective, Islam’s approach to caring for the less fortunate is uniquely comprehensive and effective. Here are a few reasons why Islam’s perspective can be seen as superior to other approaches:

Duty Tied to Faith: In Islam, helping orphans and the poor is not an optional act of kindness; it is a duty imposed by faith. Muslims believe they will answer to Allah for how they treated the vulnerable. This faith-driven accountability ensures that caring for others isn’t just done for public praise or personal satisfaction, but for God. It provides a powerful inner motivation that secular systems often lack. A Muslim is taught that neglecting a poor person is as serious as neglecting a prayer. This integration of moral duty with spiritual reward tends to produce consistent charity – people give even when no one is watching, because they know Allah is watching.
Guaranteed Rights for the Poor: Islam transformed charity from a voluntary act into an actual right of the poor over the rich. The institution of zakāt (obligatory alms) means that a fixed share of wealth must go to those in need each year. By making charity a pillar of the religion, Islam preempted what modern welfare states tried to do through taxation – yet with a spiritual touch. Unlike systems that rely purely on government redistribution or purely on individual whim, Islam mandates a baseline (through zakat) and strongly encourages extra voluntary giving (sadaqah). The poor person in an Islamic system doesn’t have to solely rely on begging or random kindness; they know the community’s wealth is partly for them by right. This dignifies them and provides a safety net stable over time.
Balance Between Individual and Society: Islam strikes a wise balance between “everyone for themselves” capitalism and forced collectivism. It protects the right to private property and earning – people are encouraged to work hard and enjoy ḥalāl earnings. But it simultaneously curbs greed by commanding those with wealth to share and care for those without. The Qur’an says, “Do not keep your hand tied to your neck (i.e. don’t be stingy), nor stretch it out completely (don’t be wasteful)” – advocating moderation. Other ideologies often swung to extremes: one might ignore the poor entirely, another might remove personal incentive to give by making everything a state duty. Islam’s middle path is superior because it nurtures generosity without killing productivity. A Muslim can aspire to earn well, but with the intention that they will support relatives, neighbors, and community members in need. This creates a sense of unity and mutual responsibility.
Holistic Compassion (Material and Emotional): Islam’s approach isn’t only about transferring money; it places huge emphasis on kindness, respect, and empathy. The Quranic instructions, such as “do not scold the beggar” (93:10) and “speak kindly to people” (2:83), ensure that the needy are treated with honor, not as burdens. This focus on emotional care is something many purely economic solutions overlook. An orphan needs love and belonging, not just food; Islam encourages fostering orphans into families (kafāla) precisely for this reason. Similarly, the Prophet ﷺ taught us to smile and greet the poor, to use respectful words for them, and to make them feel valued. This holistic care – feeding both the body and the heart – leads to rehabilitation of individuals in a way superior to cold institutional aid. It prevents the social alienation that can happen when the poor feel looked down upon or abandoned.
Social Harmony and Justice: Because charity in Islam is both a personal virtue and a collective obligation, it naturally creates a more harmonious society. In places and times where Muslims truly implemented these teachings, there were significantly lower levels of homelessness and hunger. Crime and class hatred are less when the poor feel the rich actually care about them. By contrast, societies that neglect their poor often suffer instability – something Islam warned against (as in Surah Al-Fajr 89:17–20, where a people were reproached for ignoring orphans and the poor). Islam’s perspective is proactive: it purifies the rich from arrogance and the poor from resentment, knitting them together through bonds of giving and gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ once said, “The example of the believers in their love, mercy, and compassion for each other is like a single body – if one limb hurts, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.” This ideal, when lived, is far superior to a divisive mindset where everyone only fends for themselves. It creates a community where helping the needy is part of the culture and identity, not an afterthought.

In summary, Islam’s system combines moral conviction, legal duty, and compassionate practice. It motivates care for the needy with the promise of Allah’s reward and the warning of His punishment. It provides concrete mechanisms (like zakat and endowments) to continually channel support to those who need it. And it fosters empathy and brotherhood, making the act of giving fulfilling for the giver and dignifying for the receiver. This multi-layered approach is what makes Islam’s perspective on social welfare stand out, even 1400 years later.

Islamic history and scripture also highlight miraculous events and divine blessings associated with caring for orphans and the needy. These stories reinforce the idea that when we help others for Allah’s sake, Allah helps us in remarkable ways:

A Qur’anic Example – Protecting Orphans’ Treasure: In the Qur’an, there is the story of Prophet Moses (Mūsā) and Al-Khidr (a wise servant of Allah) in Surah Al-Kahf (18:60–82). One part of this story shows how Allah protected the future of two young orphans. Khidr repaired a crumbling wall in a town without asking for any payment. Prophet Musa was puzzled by this voluntary effort. Khidr later explained that under that wall was a treasure belonging to two orphan boys. Their father had been a righteous man, so Allah wanted the treasure to stay hidden and safe until the orphans grew up and could claim it. If the wall had collapsed now, others might have stolen the treasure. In essence, Allah sent Khidr on a special mission to preserve the wealth of these orphans due to their late father’s goodness. This is like a small miracle of divine intervention – it shows that Allah Himself cares for orphans in unseen ways. It reassures us that when we step up to help orphans, we are acting in line with Allah’s own plan of mercy for them.
Prophetic Miracle of Feeding the Hungry: During Prophet Muhammad’s lifetime, there were instances where very little food became enough for many people – by the blessing (barakah) given by Allah. These miracles often occurred when the Prophet and his companions were in dire need, and they chose to share whatever they had. For example, during the Battle of the Trench in Medina, the Muslims were besieged and had very little food. A companion, Jabir, invited the Prophet and a few others to a small meal his wife had prepared (just enough for maybe 3–4 people). The Prophet ﷺ arrived with the entire army of hungry men and personally broke the bread and served from the pot. Miraculously, the food kept coming and fed about a thousand soldiers, and still some was left over! This incredible event – recorded in authentic hadith – shows how caring for the hungry brought a miracle of multiplication by Allah’s will. In another incident, a small container of milk became sufficient for a large number of the poor Ahl aṣ-Ṣuffah (destitute people living at the mosque) when the Prophet blessed it. These miracles are signs that Allah puts barakah (increase) in what we give. A little donation or small act of help, if done sincerely, can go a very long way by Allah’s permission.
Everyday Blessings: Not all miracles are dramatic. Often, Muslims experience that when they give to others, Allah helps them in their own lives in unexpected ways. For example, someone might donate money towards a needy family’s rent, and then find that they themselves receive a financial gift or an opportunity that helps them with their own needs. We don’t consider these mere coincidences; we see them as the fulfillment of the Prophet’s promise that charity never reduces wealth. In fact, charity increases blessings in one’s wealth, often in intangible ways (like protection from harm, peace of mind, or sudden ease after hardship). There is a hadith: “Whoever relieves a believer’s distress in this world, Allah will relieve his distress on the Day of Judgment.” So, a small good deed now can translate into a huge relief in the Hereafter – that is a miraculous grace from Allah. The Prophet ﷺ also taught that giving charity can avert calamity – meaning acts of kindness can protect us from misfortunes by Allah’s permission.

All these examples underscore how pleased Allah is when we help orphans and the needy. He can even bend the normal rules of the world to assist those who assist others. It’s as if Allah is telling us, “You take care of each other for My sake, and I will take care of you.” This gives a believer tremendous hope and motivation. Even if we don’t witness a visible miracle every time we give charity, we know at the very least a spiritual miracle is occurring: our sins are being forgiven, our hearts are being softened, and an eternal reward is being prepared for us in Jannah (Paradise), in shā’ Allāh.

Conclusion: Putting It Into Practice Today

Caring for orphans and the needy should translate into real action. Islam’s guidance is meant to make us do something, not just appreciate the idea. Here are some practical ways we can implement these teachings:

Start Nearby: Begin with those around you. Is there a neighbor who is a widow or an orphaned child in your extended family? Reach out to them. Offer help regularly – it could be financial support or even simple acts like helping with groceries or inviting them for meals. Make sure the people closest to you are not suffering in silence. The Prophet ﷺ said we are not true believers if we eat our fill while our neighbor goes hungry.
Sponsor or Support Orphans: If you are able, sponsor an orphan through a reliable charity. This means donating money each month to cover a specific orphan’s needs. If full sponsorship is too much, even smaller donations to orphan funds help. You can also support local children’s homes or foster care programs. The idea is to become a guardian for those who have no parents, even from a distance.
Give Regular Charity (Money and Time): Make charity a habit, not a one-time thing. For example, set aside a small portion of your income regularly for donation – consistency is better than a one-off large amount. Also consider giving your time: volunteer at a local soup kitchen, an shelter, or a community center that helps families. If you have special skills (like teaching, cooking, or medical knowledge), use them to benefit the poor. Every bit of effort counts. And when giving charity, do it with a cheerful attitude and humility, as the Qur’an advises us to be kind in speech as well.
Be Kind in Daily Life: Caring for others isn’t only through organized charity – it should be part of our character. Greet the poor and orphans with a warm smile and treat them with respect. Offer to assist an elderly or sick person who is struggling, even if they are too shy to ask. If you know someone is depressed or lonely, check on them and listen to them. These compassionate behaviors, though small, are part of the “little kindnesses” (al-Mā‘ūn) that Allah praises. They cost nothing but can mean the world to someone in need.
Teach and Encourage Others: Spread this ethic of caring within your family and community. Teach your children or younger siblings by example – let them see you helping the less fortunate, and involve them in it. In community gatherings or on social media, share the importance of supporting orphans and the needy, using the Qur’an and hadith as inspiration. Encourage a culture where people compete in doing good. If you’re part of an Islamic organization or mosque, suggest starting a volunteer group or a charity drive if it doesn’t exist. Be the spark that gets others involved in doing good.
Keep the Rewards in Mind: Remember that no act of compassion is ever wasted in Islam. When you feel discouraged, recall the Prophet’s promise that charity brings Allah’s help and that “Allah is helping the servant as long as the servant is helping his brother.” Remind yourself of the huge rewards we discussed: closeness to the Prophet in Paradise, sins being forgiven, and blessings in this life and the next. This intention (niyyah) makes even mundane tasks sacred. For instance, cooking a pot of food for a poor family can become an act that draws you closer to Allah. Keeping focus on the reward makes the service lighter and even joyful.