Sponsoring an orphan is a virtuous act that our hearts are drawn to whenever we seek more grace and reward. It is a deed of great significance and centrality in our faith, one that extends its positive impact to the orphan, their family, their community, and the entire Ummah, starting with the benefactor.
In this article, we will discuss this virtue and how you can sponsor an orphan through Masarat Initiative, particularly in the areas most in need of this kindness.
Hadiths and Verses on the Virtue of Sponsoring Orphans
Many hadiths and verses highlight the virtue of sponsoring an orphan, as it brings great reward and goodness to the benefactor both in this life and the hereafter. We can categorize them into several themes:
Verses and Hadiths About Sponsoring Orphans
- Allah says: “They ask you what they should spend. Say, ‘Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.’” (Al-Baqarah 2:215)
This means: Whatever you spend of your wealth and give in charity, allocate it to your parents, your relatives, the orphans, the needy, and the traveler. Whatever good you do for them, Allah is aware of it, and He will account it for you and give you your reward for it on the Day of Judgment. This verse indicates the great reward obtained from this good deed.
- Allah says: “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.” (An-Nisa 4:36)
This means: Worship Allah alone and submit to Him, and do not associate anyone with Him in His Lordship and worship. Be kind to parents, fulfill their rights, and also fulfill the rights of relatives, orphans, the needy, and neighbors, whether near or far.
- Qatadah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “I and the woman with sunken cheeks will be in Paradise like this,” and he pointed with his middle and index fingers. They asked: “O Messenger of Allah, who is the woman with sunken cheeks?” He replied: “A woman whose husband died and she remained with her children.”
- Malik ibn Al-Harith reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever brings an orphan into their home, feeds and provides for them until they become independent, Paradise is obligatory for them. And whoever frees a Muslim slave, it will be their ransom from the Fire, with each limb of the freed person serving as a ransom for each limb of the one who freed them.”
The meaning here is that the ultimate goal of sponsoring orphans is to provide for them until they no longer need the sponsor who is caring for their affairs.
Hadiths on Kindness to Orphans
- Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The sponsor of an orphan, whether related to them or not, and I are like these two in Paradise,” and he indicated with his index and middle fingers. (Narrated by Muslim)
This hadith demonstrates the importance and centrality of orphan sponsorship in our faith, reaching the reward of being in the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Paradise.
- Abu Umamah Al-Bahili reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever strokes the head of an orphan, seeking nothing but Allah’s pleasure, will have rewards for every hair his hand touches. And whoever is kind to an orphan girl or boy under their care, I and he will be in Paradise like these,” and he held his two fingers together.
- Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The best house among the Muslims is a house in which an orphan is treated well, and the worst house among the Muslims is a house in which an orphan is treated badly.”
Hadiths on Mercy Towards Orphans
- Abu Darda wrote to Salman: “A man complained to the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) about the hardness of his heart, and he said: ‘If you want to soften your heart, then feed the poor and pat the head of the orphan.’”
This emphasizes the goodness and blessings one feels from showing mercy and kindness to orphans, even before the orphans themselves feel it.
- Abu Shurayh Al-Adawi reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “O Allah, I declare the rights of the two weak ones— the orphan and the woman.” The meaning of “declare” here is to warn against wronging them.
Hadiths on Sadaqah to Orphans
- Sahl ibn Sa’d reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The one who sponsors an orphan and I will be in Paradise like this,” and he held his two fingers together.
- Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The one who strives to help widows and the poor is like one who fights in the way of Allah,” and I think he also said, “like one who continually prays and fasts without breaking.”
Donating to Educate Orphans in Syria
Given the significance of these teachings and the great reward for caring for orphans and attending to their educational, social, and health needs, Masarat Initiative has given special attention to orphan students in northern Syria. They have dedicated projects and campaigns aimed at supporting these children and helping them return to and complete their educational journey, then training and preparing them for the workforce.
You are invited to participate in this great act of charity, with ever-growing rewards as long as the support reaches the beneficiaries. By contributing to the orphan student sponsorship project, you attain the honor of the Prophet’s company in Paradise, by the will of Allah, as well as the blessing of facilitating the path of knowledge for those who have been hindered by difficult circumstances, thus gaining the benefits of both this life and the hereafter.
The Virtue of Sponsoring an Orphan in This Life and the Hereafter
The virtue of sponsoring orphans in this life and the hereafter is repeatedly mentioned in our sources of legislation, namely the Quran and Sunnah, because it is one of the greatest and most noble righteous deeds. Its benefits are continuous, by Allah’s will, and do not cease as long as the orphan benefits from the sponsorship. It is a truly great investment, with its effects felt in this world before the hereafter, as through sponsorship, you help build a person who has lost their support in this world.
You help them overcome the many obstacles in life, especially in childhood, when the orphan is most in need of someone to care for and sponsor them. Ibn al-Qayyim said: “The best charity is what meets a need of the recipient and is continuous and ongoing.”
Sponsoring an orphan is an honor for the sponsor before the sponsored, as it brings them great reward and blessings in the hereafter and barakah in this world. It:
Places the sponsor among the righteous believers: Allah describes the believers as “They give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.” (Al-Insan 76:8)
And He describes the righteous: “Righteousness is not that you turn your faces toward the east or the west, but righteousness is in one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives his wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler.” (Al-Baqarah 2:177)
Grants the sponsor the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Paradise: This is one of the greatest virtues of sponsoring orphans. Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The one who sponsors an orphan and I will be like this in Paradise,” and he held his index and middle fingers together.
It is mentioned in Fath al-Bari that perhaps the wisdom in the sponsor of the orphan being likened to having a place close to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in Paradise is that the Prophet (peace be upon him) was sent to people who did not understand the matters of their religion, so he was their sponsor, teacher, and guide. Similarly, the sponsor of the orphan takes on the role of guiding and educating the orphan.
Sponsoring an orphan is a means to enter Paradise: Allah says: “They give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive. We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We wish not from you reward or gratitude. Indeed, we fear from our Lord a Day austere and distressful. So Allah will protect them from the evil of that Day and give them radiance and joy.” (Al-Insan 76:8-11)
This verse strongly encourages us to sponsor and feed orphans and look after their affairs, as it will be a shield for us from the Fire and a means to enter Paradise by Allah’s mercy.
The Virtue of Sponsoring an Orphan Financially in This Life
The virtue of sponsoring orphans financially in this life is one of the most compelling reasons to seek this honor, given its positive impact and blessings on the sponsor. It:
- Elevates the status of the individual who undertakes it before Allah and honors them with the company of the noble Messenger in Paradise.
- Contributes to the heart’s well-being, encouraging the self to support the orphan until they reach their goals, thus continuing their education and becoming productive members of society.
- Financially sponsoring orphans uplifts the community as a whole, as we sponsor them as young students, and they build our communities as adults.
Therefore, Masarat Initiative opens the way for you to participate in this great reward through the sponsorship of orphaned students, which has led to the creation of honorable success stories for students who face very harsh conditions, forcing them to leave their school seats until they join Masarat Initiative, which ensures their return to the educational path, activates them in student activities, supervises them with academic guidance, and empowers them through vocational pathways.
The Psychological and Social Benefits of Sponsoring an Orphan
Sponsoring orphans is not just about financial support, but their psychological and social care is equally important. It means solidarity and cohesion within the community, weaving a bond of love and mercy among its members.
Allah Almighty has guided us to the principles of dealing with orphans, highlighting the importance of their psychological and social stability and the significance of helping them and meeting their life needs with compassion and kindness so that they can become true leaders for their communities towards progress and development. Allah says: “Did He not find you an orphan and give you refuge? And He found you lost and guided [you]. And He found you poor and made [you] self-sufficient. So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].” (Ad-Duha 93:6-9)
The psychological and social stability of orphans is crucial for their lives and the lives of their mothers, greatly impacting their success and development to become beneficial individuals in their community, contributing to building the strong structure of their nation, and contributing to productivity and growth.
Therefore, take the initiative to sponsor orphans through the Masarat Initiative, as you are placing your hands in the hands of future leaders, who will carry the mission of uplifting the region and building a strong, cohesive society.
The Educational and Developmental Benefits of Sponsoring an Orphan
Sponsoring an orphan means supporting their living needs, ensuring their education, and providing healthcare. Sponsorship is a lifeline for orphans, a means of feeling secure.
Having lost their fathers, their source of security, they need sponsorship that creates a lasting and real impact on their lives until they can continue independently. They need someone to invest in their upbringing, education, and training in work skills. This means that sponsoring orphans encompasses all their needs, including financial support, clothing, education, and upbringing, among other things the orphan needs until they reach adulthood. This is because the proper growth of children during this phase depends on complete care, and the Muslim community must collaborate to secure these requirements so that the orphan can be raised properly.
Masarat for Vocational Education and Sustainable Support in Northern Syria
Masarat Initiative is a non-profit initiative that aims to provide education for all. Therefore, it opens its doors to all Syrian students, regardless of age or geographic location. It pays special attention to groups negatively affected by conflicts and difficult circumstances, such as orphans, people with disabilities, individuals living in camps, and those who have been out of education for long periods.
Masarat has many projects and campaigns that reflect its commitment to providing equal opportunities for orphans to receive education and develop their knowledge and skills, becoming strong pillars on which the community can rely for building a robust society.
Therefore, Masarat invites you to participate in orphan sponsorship campaigns, so you can leave a mark of goodness in the life of every orphan who benefits from it, positively contributing to the future based on strong foundations. You will be among those whom the beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) praised by saying: “The believer to the believer is like a building, each part strengthening the other,” and he interlaced his fingers. Contact us now, for the best of charity is that which is given quickly.
