The religion of Islam is a complete way of life and as part of it’s teachings, provides humanity the guidance in various aspects of their lives. Among other things, Islam addresses social matters and issues at great depth and detail. The care for the poor and orphans is an excellent example in this regard. Through Quran and the prophet Muhammad’s sayings, Muslims are specifically instructed and encouraged to take great care of orphans and the poor. The following depicts Islam’s stand on the care of such people.

For children and needy, whose parents pass away, the Quran states “And when the relatives and the orphans and the poor are present at the time of division, give them out of the property, and speak to them words of kindness and justice” – [Chapter 4 (Surah An-Nisa’) – Verse 8 ]

For the pious and righteous people, the Quran states “Any they give food, inspite of their love for it (or for the love of Him), to the poor, the orphan and the captive.

On of the hadeeth (sayings of prophet Muhammad) states “I and the caretaker of the orphan will enter Paradise together like this (illustrating by raising his forefinger and middle finger jointly) [The book of Saheeh al-Bukhari]”

Another hadeeth as quoted by [At-Tabaraanee and As-Silsilah as-Saheehah], the prophet said that “…Be merciful with the orphan, pat his head and feed him from what you eat. This will soften your heart, and enable you to get what you need."

There are other numerous Islamic teachings, verses in the Quran and Hadeeth by the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that strongly suggest the need to be very passionate to the poor and orphans in return of which God (Allah) promises a lot of reward to Muslims.

Sam works for HilalPlaza.com, a site that provides Islamic shawls to North American Muslims.

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