In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
Sahl bin Sa’d (MAPH) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “I will be like this in Jannah with the person who takes care of an orphan”. Messenger of Allah (SAWS) raised his forefinger and middle finger by way of illustration. (Al-Bukhari).
Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: Messenger of Allah (SAWS) said, “He who takes care of an orphan, whether he is his relative or a stranger, will be in Jannah with me like these two”. The narrator, Malik bin Anas raised his forefinger and middle finger for illustration. (Muslim).
Abu Hurairah (MAPH) reported: The Prophet (SAWS) said, “One who strives to help the widows and the poor is like the one who fights in the way of Allah.” The narrator said: I think that he (SAWS) added also: “I shall regard him as the one who stands up (for prayer) without rest and as the one who observes fasts continuously”. (Al-Bukhari and Muslim).
Commentary 1: It will be indeed a great honour to be close to the Prophet (SAWS) in Jannah. This honour will be given to those who are kind to the orphans. The Prophet (SAWS) has regarded it the ‘best house’ in which an orphan is treated with kindness. He declared the worst home in which an orphan child is not treated with affection.
Commentary 2: There are several charities where orphan sponsorship is available. Seek out those who are reliable and trustworthy to care for orphans and share in the reward that will come with that inshaAllah.
Commentary 3: The Islamic system of welfare and economic security is not restricted to relatives only. It includes every orphan and needy. If Muslims put this system into practice, there will be no need for insurance -a system which is based on usury. May Allah enable the Muslims to adopt the teachings of Islam so that they will be relieved of the curse of the system of usury.
Commentary 4: Here the words ‘widow’ and ‘poor’ have been mentioned for example only while they cover the whole range of indigent, invalid and needy people. Efforts for their care, support and welfare has been regarded equivalent to Jihad. Islam has done full justice in supporting the helpless individuals and the entire poor class of the society by elevating the status of those who undertake this noble task to the level of Mujahidun. It makes it clear that worship is not restricted to prayers and fasting only but also covers every good deed. Thus, those who are always mindful of the weak and the poor and constantly strive for their welfare are engaged in perpetual worship.
SAWS: May Allah exalt his mention and protect him from imperfection
MAPH: May Allah be pleased with him
Riyaadiss-Saliheen (The Meadows of the Righteous)
By Imam An Nawawi
Hadith 1: Chapter 33, Page 91, Number 262
Hadith 2: Chapter 33, Page 91, Number 263
Hadith 3: Chapter 33, Page 91, Number 265