The great rewards of Orphan Sponsorship
According to the UNICEF, an orphan is “a child under 18 years of age who has lost one or both parents to any cause of death.” The number of orphans around the world is absolutely huge. As per the UNICEF, there were 140 million orphaned children in 2015. Bear in mind that the aforementioned number may disregard the orphans who live on streets. It is our duty to reach those children and help them out. In most cases, orphans suffer from neglect, malnutrition, poor health conditions, illiteracy, abuse and slavery. As Muslims, we are urged many times in the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah (Prophet sayings) to take care of the orphans. This highlights the significance of orphan sponsorship as an act of worship that leads to Heaven. We should spare no effort in supporting orphans to reap great rewards in this world and in the Hereafter.
Enjoying blessings in life
The Prophet (SAW) said “Blessed is the wealth of a Muslim from which he gives to the poor, the orphans and to needy travelers” [Sahih al-Bukhari]. Allah (SWT) promises those who give charity that their wealth will be blessed, as charity never decreases wealth. Further, the Prophet Muhammed (SAW) said that “The best house among the Muslims is a house in which there is an orphan who is treated well. And the worst house among the Muslims is a house in which there is an orphan who is treated badly” [Ibn Majah]. Unfortunately, many of the orphans live without shelter in bitter winters and scorching summers. Even if we are not able to open our houses to them, it is our duty to think of them and help them out. Imagine how donations can make a big difference in their lives. At least, donations can provide them with shelters to live in safely.
Reaping rewards in the Hereafter
When you sponsor an orphan, you will be close to the Prophet (SAW) in Paradise. 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]. Hence, through orphan sponsorship, you will achieve a special status in Paradise, close to the Prophet (SAW). Moreover, orphan sponsorship is an ideal example of Sadaqah Jariyah (Continuous Charity) which carries great blessings and rewards. Orphan sponsorship has long-lasting impacts on the orphans’ lives and it helps them fulfill themselves in the future. You will be awarded whenever those orphans implement something they learnen at school and every time they perform good deeds.
Helping the Developing Communities
Orphan Sponsorship programs insure that every orphaned child gets the fundamental requirements of life. We should lend a hand to the developing countries in order to help them progress. The Prophet (SAW) said that “Allah will aid His slave so long as he aids his brother” (an-Nawawi). As Muslims, it is our responsibility to make sure that each and every orphan in the needy communities has access to a safe shelter, clean water, adequate food, decent clothes, proper education, good healthcare and appropriate hygiene kits. When you sponsor an orphan, you will help him/her to be an active member in society, which means that you will help a whole community not only an individual.
References
https://www.unicef.org/media
https://sunnah.com/bukhari:1465
https://sunnah.com/ibnmajah:3679
https://sunnah.com/urn/2117740
https://quran.com/5/32
