THE MESSAGE OF THE QUR’AN: ORPHANS’ RIGHTS AND TAKING CARE OF ORPHANS

 

The Qur’an, as the main source of divine guidance for Muslims, plays a transformative role in the lives of believers. Its significance goes beyond mere regulation of daily and practical life; it functions as the central moral compass for both the individual and the community as a whole. The Qur’an articulates numerous moral principles on diverse topics, defining the attributes of the moral believer and providing ethical rulings necessary for walking the straight path.

 

The Qur’an establishes a comprehensive moral and ethical framework by addressing fundamental questions of existence, purpose, and proper conduct toward God, oneself, creation, and society. Among these universal teachings is a powerful emphasis on the care and protection of orphans. Throughout its chapters, the Qur’an repeatedly reminds believers to safeguard the rights of orphans and to treat them with compassion, justice, and dignity.

Allah calls on Muslims to provide emotional security, kindness, and a nurturing environment for children who have lost their parents. Taking responsibility for orphans is portrayed as an act of righteousness and a sign of true faith. Conversely, exploiting or neglecting them is condemned as a grave moral failure.

The Qur’an mandates emotional and psychological support. This dimension of care is rooted in the prohibition of neglect and the demand for honor. In Surah Ad-Duha, Allah reminds the Prophet Muhammad of his own orphanhood and commands, (hence to all believers) “So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him],” [The Qur’an 93:9] thereby establishing a minimum moral standard of protection from emotional abuse and marginalization. This protection is reinforced by the condemnation found in Surah Al-Fajr, where those who “do not honor the orphan” (The Qur’an 89:17) are severely rebuked. The righteous believer is thus expected to actively foster a nurturing environment where the orphan is treated not as a burden or a recipient of cold charity, but as a full sibling within the community [The Qur’an 2:220]. This approach ensures that the community not only sustains the orphan’s physical needs but also shields their heart and nurtures their character, affirming their inherent worth and belonging.

Beyond the imperative for kindness and emotional support, the Qur’an also orders the protection of the financial and physical wellbeing of orphans. It repeatedly encourages believers to spend generously on their behalf and to ensure that their needs are met with dignity. The Qur’an establishes both legal and moral injunctions concerning the management of an orphan’s property, protecting of their material security to a form of sacred stewardship.

They ask you ˹O Prophet in˺ what ˹way˺ they should donate. Say, “Whatever donations you give are for parents, relatives, orphans, the poor, and ˹needy˺ travellers. Whatever good you do is certainly well known to Allah.” [The Qur’an 2:215]

Guardians are instructed to treat the wealth of orphans not as personal capital, but as a protected trust, one that must be managed with integrity and complete transparency. This trust remains in the guardian’s care only until the orphan reaches maturity and demonstrates competence to assume responsibility over their own assets. Any misuse or appropriation of this wealth is strictly prohibited.

Test ˹the competence of˺ the orphans until they reach a marriageable age. Then if you feel they are capable of sound judgment, return their wealth to them. And do not consume it wastefully and hastily before they grow up ˹to demand it˺. If the guardian is well-off, they should not take compensation; but if the guardian is poor, let them take a reasonable provision. When you give orphans back their property, call in witnesses. And sufficient is Allah as a ˹vigilant˺ Reckoner. [The Qur’an 4:6]

The Qur’an reinforces this responsibility with a severe and uncompromising warning against exploitation: “Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze.” [The Qur’an 4:10]. This striking metaphor equates financial misappropriation with ingesting fire, highlighting that violating the economic rights of the vulnerable is among the gravest sins a believer can commit.

In conclusion, Allah indicates that caring for orphans is a distinctive sign of a believer on the straight path. The Qur’an provides moral guidance to regulate both individual relationships and broader social dynamics, and safeguarding the rights of orphans is a central part of this framework.

In modern society, where we have the means to reach far beyond our immediate circles, we must actively seek ways to help. This can be done by visiting orphanages with gifts, spending time playing with the children, or providing regular financial support through trusted organizations. However, even if you cannot do these things, you can simply offer kindness. If there is an orphan near you, treat them with warmth, speak to them gently, and offer them a genuine emotional connection.