Whose Orphans Are They?

Orphan support services, which were conducted with the utmost sensitivity and care in the bright days of Islamic civilization, unfortunately, started to be neglected with the weakening of Muslim states and institutions. Currently, thousands of Muslim orphans worldwide are growing up in orphanages founded by Christian missionaries and are being turned away from their religion and converting to Christianity.

Some trials in life are more persistent and difficult than others such as being an orphan. This heartbreaking title, despite consisting of only two short syllables, represents a daunting burden too great for the little shoulders it is placed upon. Furthermore, the emotional trauma and formidable obstacles they endure persist throughout their lifetime, casting a shadow that stretches far beyond their fleeting years of childhood.

When we speak of orphans, our thoughts naturally shift towards children who have lost a parent before reaching the cusp of adolescence. Yet, in this intricate and unfortunate patch of the social fabric, there exists another group of children, living lives akin to orphans—devoid of the basic standards of care and support, regardless of biological parentage. Separation, abandonment, and the harsh streets intertwine to create a reality where these young souls walk amidst us, their experience resembling that of orphans in more ways than most of us who have witnessed their tragedy would be comfortable admitting.

A Solemn Duty For Every Believer

Our modern-day existence, fixated on productivity and success, has condemned us to lives of perpetual servitude. The break of dawn signals a race against time, with work claiming our daylight hours, leaving us exhausted as we return home. Consequently, we cannot take enough time to even care for our own families and children. As we contemplate the tribulations faced by orphans, it is impossible to overlook the fact that today's lifestyle also condemns children with families who have distanced themselves from their parental responsibilities to live like orphans with only a roof over their heads provided by their parents as the sole benefit setting them apart.

In this complex mosaic, a moral imperative emerges—to recognize the needs of orphans and extend to them unwavering support and heartfelt compassion. The rights of orphans, enshrined as they are within the teachings of Islam, are protected within the sanctity of our religion. They are mentioned in 22 verses in our Holy Book, the Noble Qur’an; we are commanded to show kindness to them and stand by their side. As for those who inflict injustice upon orphans, they are threatened with the grim reality of dire punishments awaiting them. The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) further illuminates the path with numerous hadiths, urging us to be kind to orphans and highlighting the tremendous rewards that await those who offer them solace. His teachings also warn of the heavy penalties for causing them harm or committing atrocities against them. Thus, we cannot remain indifferent to their plight—we must engage in an introspective journey and search deep within our conscience to see if our sincerity holds in the face of genuine and profound self-reflection.

From Closest to Furthest

We should begin by asking if there are any orphans near us by family relation or location that need assistance first. Once we have aided those in need near us, we can then expand to aid those orphans located further away from us.

1. Is there an orphan living with us, and if so, how do we approach and treat them?

This should be our primary concern. We can understand from the following hadith of our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) that this question is of vital importance: "The best home among Muslim households is the one where an orphan is treated well. Conversely, the worst home among Muslim households is the one where an orphan is mistreated ” (Ibn Majah, Adab, 6). We understand from this hadith that a home can attain the status of being the best thanks to an orphan being taken care of within despite the flaws in worship and obedience among the household members.

Conversely, a home with plenty of acts of worship performed within its walls may be the worst due to its mistreatment of the orphans who live there.

2. Is there an orphan who visits our house and eats with us?

The Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said: “Whoever has an orphan among the Muslims partake of his food or drink, Allah will cause him to enter paradise- unless he commits an unpardonable sin (shirk)” (Tirmidhi, Birr, 14). Feeding an orphan is the heraldof good news. Orphans are like a scent from Heaven. To consider them a burden is a great misfortune and complete ignorance. Their presence at our tables is a means of abundance, family peace, and a step in the right direction for our children to be raised as conscientious and compassionate individuals.

3. Are there any orphans among our relatives and neighbors? 

If there is an orphan among our relatives, we should prioritize them because, as their relatives, we are more responsible for them than anyone else; they are waiting for our compassion and mercy. Our protection, love, and care for them will be more sincere and satisfying than those not related to them. We should be the kind of relatives who compete to protect our orphans. That is how the Companions of the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam), who were taught by him, behaved. Here is one of the best examples of this: 

“One day, a disagreement arosebetween three Companions close to the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam). Ali, Jafar, and Zayd (radiyallahu anhum) were arguing about being the guardian of Hamza’s (radiyallahu anh) daughter, Umama. When our beloved Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) arrived, he learned of the situation and listened to the reasons of the three Companions who pleased him with their effort to protect his orphaned relative. He then complimented them by saying, ‘Zayd, you are the mawla (friend and supporter) of Allah and His Messenger. Ali, you are my brother and friend. Jafar, you resemble me both in character and appearance.’ Then he announced his decision as follows: ‘O Jafar! You are more worthy to see and watch Umama. Because his aunt is your wife. An aunt is like a mother.’ Jafar (radiyallahu anh) was very pleased with this decision and took Umama with himself.” (al-Bukhari, al-Maghazi, 43).

Due to the above incident, Islamic scholars declared that an orphaned child should be adopted by his mother, grandmother, sister, or aunt; if that is not possible, it would be more appropriate for an orphan to be adopted by their grandfather, brother, or uncle than a non-relative.

If relatives do not care for them, it is the responsibility of the neighbors to become the orphans’ custodians. It is important to note, however, that when the child reaches the age of puberty, the rules of privacy must be strictly applied per the requirements of Islamic criteria.

The Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Myself and the caretaker of an orphan will be like this in Paradise,” and he joined his index finger and middle finger together. (al-Bukhari, Adab, 24)

4. How is our relationship with the orphans in our city, country, and around the world?

In our self-assessment regarding orphans, we should take into consideration our relationship with the orphans outside of our family. Orphans who are not protected by their relatives and neighbors are entrusted to the other Muslims around them. Our religion dictates that children must be saved from hunger, abandonment, and wasting away in the streets and that they must be protected from being harmed by malicious people.

Our Historical Sensitivity and The Present Day

In our history, since the Age of Bliss, a share has been reserved for orphans from the riches and goods obtained from conquests. It is stated in the Holy Qur’an that this share is their right.

The institutionalization of services for orphans and the state protection are also vital. If statesmen take care of orphaned children and open institutions for them on behalf of Muslims, the burden will be lifted from the rest of the people. 

In order to achieve this, the Seljuk State, which broke new ground in institutionalization, established orphanages called “eytemhane” and correctional facilities for minors called “ıslahhane.” Ayyubids and Mamluks also opened schools and foundations for orphans.

The Ottoman state, on the other hand, expanded the services for orphans and created funds that would enable members of every profession to take care of their orphans. “Darüşşafaka” and “Himaye-i Etfal Cemiyeti” are institutions established in the Ottoman Empire for the education and protection of orphans. 

Orphan support services, which were conducted with the utmost sensitivity and care in the bright days of Islamic civilization, unfortunately, started to be neglected with the weakening of Muslim states and institutions. Currently, thousands of Muslim orphans throughout the world are growing up in orphanages founded by Christian missionaries and are being turned away from their religion and converted to Christianity. As the Islamic world is in the throes of brutal wars and tens of thousands of our children are deprived of their parents’ and relatives’ protection, an opportunity seems to have presented itself to the opportunists! This situation constitutes one of the most painful and devastating blows dealt to our society.

Orphans of Muslims should be raised by Muslims. It is every Muslim’s responsibility to ensure this. Although insufficient, we have associations and organizations that try to take care of orphans in every corner of the world. This means that we have the opportunity and the means to support orphans, provide them with financial assistance, and heal their wounds.

In addition to taking care of the orphans among and near us, it is our duty to support the campaigns of charitable organizations for orphans as much as possible.

Selim Uğur