In Islam, our faith is built on two wings: our relationship with Allah (SWT) and our relationship with His creation. We are taught to be a community of compassion, to stand up for the weak, and to care for those who are most vulnerable.
And in the entire community, few are more vulnerable or more beloved to Allah than the orphan.
The orphan holds a special, protected status in our faith. The Quran mentions the orphan 22 times, warning us never to oppress them, to treat them with kindness, and to protect their rights. Why such a strong focus? Perhaps it is because our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was an orphan himself. He (ﷺ) knew the pain of this loss and, through his example, taught us the immense rewards of healing it.
Sponsoring an orphan is not just a simple act of charity. It is one of the single most powerful and beloved deeds a Muslim can do. Let’s explore the amazing virtues of sponsoring an orphan in Islam, as promised to us directly by the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ).
1. The Ultimate Reward: Closeness to the Prophet (ﷺ) in Paradise
For any Muslim, the highest possible goal is not just to enter Jannah (Paradise), but to be in the company of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). This is the grand prize, the ultimate success. And Allah (SWT) has made this incredible rank one of the rewards for sponsoring an orphan.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said in a famous and beautiful Hadith:
“I and the one who cares for an orphan will be in Paradise like this.”
He (ﷺ) then gestured with his forefinger and middle finger, holding them slightly apart.
(Sahih al-Bukhari)
Let’s pause and truly think about this promise.
The Prophet (ﷺ) did not just say the one who cares for an orphan will “enter Paradise.” He promised something far greater: closeness. The gesture of his two fingers held together signifies an unbreakable bond, an honour of being a direct neighbour and companion to the best of all creation.
He (ﷺ) is telling us that the barrier between us and him in Jannah is as small as the gap between those two fingers. It is an honour so great that it is almost unimaginable. This promise is so profound that it’s a key reason why so many Muslims rush to help. The Prophet (ﷺ) said the one who cares for an orphan will be with him in Paradise. You can sponsor an orphan today and secure this unbelievable reward for your Hereafter.
2. A Cure for a Hard Heart and an Answer to Your Prayers
In the rush of our daily lives, it’s easy for our hearts to become distracted, busy, or even “hard.” We can feel distant from our faith and from the needs of others. Sponsoring an orphan is a direct cure for this spiritual illness.
It was reported that a man came to the Prophet (ﷺ) complaining about the hardness of his heart. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to him:
“Would you like that your heart becomes soft and you meet your needs? Be merciful to the orphan, pat his head, and feed him from your food. Your heart will become soft, and your needs will be met.”
(Musnad Ahmad – authenticated by Al-Albani)
This Hadith gives us two more incredible virtues:
- A Soft Heart: Caring for a child who has lost everything reminds us of our own blessings. It teaches us empathy, mercy, and gratitude. This act of kindness chips away at the hardness that builds up around our hearts, making us more compassionate and closer to Allah.
- Your Needs Being Met: The Prophet (ﷺ) links taking care of an orphan’s needs to Allah taking care of your needs. It’s a powerful formula: when you help Allah’s servant in their time of need, Allah will help you in your time of need. Your sponsorship becomes a dua (prayer) in action, a way to seek Allah’s help for your own worries, health, or family.
3. A Blessed Home: The “Best House” Among the Muslims
We all want our homes to be places of barakah (blessing), peace, and the mercy of Allah. The Prophet (ﷺ) gave us a clear sign of what makes a home truly blessed. It has nothing to do with its size or its furniture, but everything to do with the compassion inside it.
The Prophet (ﷺ) 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.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
This Hadith sets a very high standard. By sponsoring an orphan, even if they are not living in your own home, you are contributing to their well-being. Your wealth is being used to ensure an orphan is “treated well” with food, shelter, and education. Your home, the home from which this goodness comes, becomes one of the “best of houses” in the sight of Allah.
This Hadith also comes with a terrifying warning. The Quran and Sunnah are very clear about the great sin of mistreating an orphan or consuming their wealth unjustly. This dual promise—immense reward for good and severe punishment for bad—shows just how important this responsibility is.
4. An Ongoing Charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) for Your Hereafter
Many of us think of charity, or Sadaqah, as a one-time act. You give £10, you get the reward for that £10, and it ends. But sponsoring an orphan is something far more powerful. It is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah, or “ongoing charity.”
The Prophet (ﷺ) told us that when a person dies, all their deeds stop except for three things: a continuous charity, beneficial knowledge, and a righteous child who prays for them (Sahih Muslim).
Sponsoring an orphan is a perfect combination of all three:
- You Give a Livelihood: When you sponsor an orphan, you are not just giving them food for a day. You are giving them an education, healthcare, and a safe place to grow. This education is a tool they can use for the rest of their lives.
- You Create a Ripple Effect: Because of your sponsorship, that child can grow up, get a good job, and break the cycle of poverty. They can then support their own family and help their community.
- You Gain an Ongoing Reward: Every time that child uses the education you paid for, every time they read the Quran they learned at the school you supported, and every good deed they do as a result of your investment, you get a share of that reward.
Your sponsorship doesn’t end when the donation is made. This is a form of Sadaqah Jariyah, as your support builds a person’s future. It’s an investment that can pay spiritual dividends for you long after you have left this world.
What “Sponsoring” an Orphan Really Means
The virtues of sponsoring an orphan in Islam are tied to the quality of the care. The Hadith mentions “treating them well,” “feeding them,” and “being merciful.”
Today, sponsorship through a trusted charity is the most effective way for most of us to fulfil this duty. It is a promise to provide for a child’s complete needs. But what does sponsorship actually provide? See our guide on what a day in the life of a sponsored orphan looks like to understand how it works.
Through organisations like Children of Adam, your sponsorship donation is a lifeline that covers a child’s:
- Food and Nutrition: Ensuring they have healthy meals every day.
- Education: Paying for school fees, books, and uniforms.
- Healthcare: Making sure they get medical check-ups and treatment.
- Shelter and Safety: Giving them a safe and loving environment to grow up in.
It is a complete, holistic approach to “caring for” an orphan in the way the Prophet (ﷺ) encouraged.
This Ramadan, when you are looking for the best deed to perform, remember the child who has no one. The virtues of sponsoring an orphan in Islam are a clear path to the company of the Prophet (ﷺ) in Paradise, a softer heart in this life, and a blessed, ongoing reward for your Hereafter.
