Rewards of Sponsoring an Orphan in Islam

---

In Islam, taking care of orphans holds immense importance. The Quran mentions orphans 22 times, emphasizing their care and condemning their mistreatment. Sponsoring and supporting orphans is not just a noble act but one that carries tremendous rewards in this world and the Hereafter.

Here are ten benefits of sponsoring an orphan:

1. You Will Be Close to the Prophet Muhammad (saw)

Supporting orphans is a deed beloved to the Prophet Muhammad (saw), who himself was an orphan. His father passed away before his birth, and his mother died during his childhood.

The Prophet (saw) said:

“The one who cares for an orphan and myself will be together in Paradise like this,” and he (saw) held his two fingers together to illustrate. [Bukhari]

SubhanAllah, this reward is incredibly significant. You don’t need to perform extraordinary deeds or give away all your wealth to achieve such closeness to the Prophet (saw). Sponsoring one orphan is enough to attain this high status.

---

2. Your Home Will Be the Best Among Muslims

The Prophet (saw) also said:

“The best house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are well-treated. The worst house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are ill-treated.” [Bukhari]

The “best house” is not defined by its size, location, or appearance but by the love and care shown to orphans. Making your home a haven of compassion and generosity ensures blessings and tranquility for your family.

---

3. It Reflects Righteousness

In his final sermon, the Prophet Muhammad (saw) reminded us that the only distinction between people is their piety and good deeds.

The Quran highlights this in the context of supporting orphans:

“Righteousness is [in] one who believes in Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Book, and the Prophets and gives wealth, in spite of love for it, to relatives, orphans, the needy, the traveler, those who ask [for help], and for freeing slaves…” (Surah Al-Baqarah: 2:177)

Sponsoring an orphan is a powerful act of righteousness, placing you among those favored by Allah (swt).

---

4. Your Wealth Will Increase with Barakah

Charity does not decrease wealth; instead, it brings blessings. The Prophet (saw) said:

“Blessed is the wealth of the Muslim, from which he gives to the poor, the orphan, and the wayfarer.” [Muslim]

Supporting an orphan is a practical way to experience the blessings and growth in your sustenance, even during challenging times.

---

5. A Convenient Way to Pay Zakat Monthly

For those who prefer distributing Zakat throughout the year, sponsoring an orphan provides an excellent opportunity. For as little as £29.50 per month, you can fulfill this obligation while ensuring a child’s basic needs are met.

---

6. Rewarded with Jannah’s Food

Allah describes the reward for feeding orphans in Surah Insan:

“And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive. [Saying], ‘We feed you only for the countenance of Allah. We don’t want from you either reward or gratitude. Indeed, we fear from our Lord a Day austere and distressful.'” (The Noble Qur’an, 76:8-10)

In return, Allah promises the luxurious food and rewards of Jannah. Such generosity is multiplied many times over by the Most Merciful.

---

7. It’s a Sadaqah Jariyah

The rewards of sponsoring an orphan continue even after you have passed away. Every good deed your sponsored child performs becomes part of your ongoing reward. Whether they teach, build, or contribute to society, you share in the blessings.

---

8. Unimaginable Barakah

Supporting orphans often leads to solving broader community problems. For example, empowering widowed mothers with sustainable livelihoods or providing clean water to orphaned families can transform entire communities.

This chain of goodness starts with a single act of sponsorship, bringing countless rewards and blessings.

---

9. You Will Enter Jannah Through the Gate of Joy

Bringing happiness to orphans goes beyond meeting their basic needs. Just knowing someone cares about their future can light up their lives.

This joy is recognized by Allah, who may call you through the gate of Joy into Jannah for the happiness you brought to these children.

---

10. Saving Lives

Sponsoring an orphan does more than improve their quality of life; it can literally save them. Malnutrition claims the lives of millions of children every year, and your sponsorship ensures they receive the food, healthcare, and support they need to thrive.

---

In Summary
Sponsoring an orphan draws you closer to the Prophet (saw), earns blessings in your home, elevates your status, and increases your wealth. It is a Sadaqah Jariyah with infinite rewards, secures entry through Jannah’s gate of Joy, and has the potential to save lives.

A simple act of compassion can bring monumental benefits in both this life and the Hereafter.

May Allah (swt) grant us the ability to support orphans and reap the countless rewards of this noble act. Ameen.