Sentences of the Salaf about Orphans – ConsultSyariah.com

By:

Fahd bin Abdul Aziz Abdullah ash-Syuwairikh

All praise is due to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, Lord of the worlds. Shalawat and greetings are poured out to the most noble Prophet and Messenger, our Prophet Muhammad Shallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam, as well as to all his family and friends. Amma ba’du:

Islam commands to do good to orphans, take care of them, and provide for their needs. So give a reward for that in the form of a big reward. Rasulullah SAW said:

“I and the person who takes care of orphans in heaven are like this, (and he gestures with his index and middle fingers).” (Authorized by Sheikh Al-Albani in Sahih Al-Adab Al-Mufrad by Imam Al-Bukhari).

Apart from ordering to do good to orphans, Islam also warns against cruelty and consuming their property. Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala says:

“Indeed, those who consume the wealth of orphans unjustly, they swallow fire in their bellies and they will enter the burning fire (hell).” (QS. An-Nisa: 10).

Salaf Rahimahumullah has many sentences related to orphans. Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, the Most Merciful, gave me facilities so that I could collect some of it. I ask Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala that it will be useful for everyone.

Reminds of cruelty towards orphans

The scholar who upheld the sunnah, Al-Ashfahani Rahimahullah said: “Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala said, ‘Never think that Allah is indifferent to what unjust people do.’ (QS. Ibrahim: 42).

This is a threat to the oppressor and a comfort to the oppressed, and no one is more unjust than he who oppresses the weak and the orphan.”

Prayer for orphans

Abu Ad-Darda Radhiyallahu ‘anhu said: “Be careful of the prayers of orphans and wronged people, because these prayers are offered at night when people are sleeping.”

Orphan’s property

Abdullah bin Mas’ud Radhiyallahu ‘anhu said: “The worst food is from the wealth of orphans (taken unjustly).”

The law consumes the assets of orphans

Imam Al-Qurthubi Rahimahullah said: “The Koran and As-Sunnah emphasize that eating the wealth of orphans is a big sin. Rasulullah Sallallahu Alaihi Wa Sallam said, ‘Avoid the seven destructive actions.’ Then he mentioned one of them, ‘Eating the wealth of orphans.’”

The situation of consuming the wealth of orphans in the realm of Barzakh

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Rahimahullah said: “The believer will receive enjoyment in the world of Barzakh according to his deeds. Meanwhile, the evil person will receive punishment according to his deeds, each part of his body will receive special punishment according to the evil done to that part of the body, and the stomach of the person who eats an orphan will be burned with fire.”

The situation of consuming the wealth of orphans in the afterlife

Imam As-Suddi Rahimahullah said: “The unjust eater of orphans’ wealth will be resurrected while flames will come out of his mouth, as well as from his ears, nose and eyes, and those who see him will know that he is the eater of orphans’ wealth.”

Ubaidullah bin Abi Ja’far Rahimahullah said: “Whoever eats the property of an orphan, then on the Day of Resurrection his lips will be plucked out and his mouth will be filled with burning embers. Then it will be said to him, ‘Eat this as you ate it in this world!’ Then he was put into the greatest hell.”

Al-Hafiz Ibn Katsir Rahimahullah said: “The word of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, ‘Indeed, the person who eats the property of an orphan unjustly, in fact he is swallowing fire in his stomach and he will enter the burning fire (hell).’ (QS. An-Nisa: 10).

This means, if they eat the property of orphans without a valid reason, then in fact they are consuming the fire that will burn their stomachs on the Day of Resurrection.”

Shame on those who do not glorify orphans

Imam Ibnu Jarir Ath-Thabari Rahimahullah said: “The word of Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, ‘Never! On the other hand, you do not glorify orphans.’ (QS. Al-Fajr: 17).

Namely, ‘In fact, you are humiliated like this because you don’t honor orphans.’”

The lowliness of orphans

Aktsam bin Shaifi Rahimahullah said: “There are four lowly people, namely those who commit namimah, liars, people who are in debt, and orphans.”

Caretaker of orphans

Imam An-Nawawi Rahimahullah said: “The person responsible for the life of an orphan is the one who takes care of their various needs, such as living, clothing, education and care, and so on.”

Meeting the needs of orphans

Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim Rahimahullah said: “Among the instructions of Rasulullah SAW were to get used to eating with his servants, sitting with the poor, and trying to provide for the needs of widows and orphans.”