Rights of Orphans 

What are the Rights of Orphans? 

In Islam, orphans have specific rights outlined in the Quran and emphasized in the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). These rights include: 

Inheritance Rights: 

Orphans are entitled to a share of the inheritance from their deceased parents. The Quran provides guidelines on the distribution of wealth, ensuring that orphans receive a just and fair portion. 

وَإِذَا حَضَرَ ٱلْقِسْمَةَ أُو۟لُوا۟ ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينُ فَٱرْزُقُوهُم مِّنْهُ وَقُولُوا۟ لَهُمْ قَوْلًۭا مَّعْرُوفًۭا 

If ˹non-inheriting˺ relatives, orphans,1 or the needy are present at the time of distribution, offer them a ˹small˺ provision from it and speak to them kindly. 

(An-Nisa 4:8) 

Financial Support & Protection of Wealth:  

Guardians are obligated to manage the financial affairs of orphans responsibly and ensure that their wealth is used for their well-being, education, and other needs. The wealth and property of orphans should be safeguarded from any misuse or exploitation. Misappropriating the wealth of orphans is strictly prohibited in Islam. 

وَٱبۡتَلُواْ ٱلۡيَتَٰمَىٰ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغُواْ ٱلنِّكَاحَ فَإِنۡ ءَانَسۡتُم  مِّنۡهُمۡ رُشۡدٗا فَٱدۡفَعُوٓاْ إِلَيۡهِمۡ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡۖ وَلَا تَأۡكُلُوهَآ إِسۡرَافٗا وَبِدَارًا أَن يَكۡبَرُواْۚ وَمَن كَانَ غَنِيّٗا فَلۡيَسۡتَعۡفِفۡۖ وَمَن كَانَ فَقِيرٗا فَلۡيَأۡكُلۡ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِۚ فَإِذَا دَفَعۡتُمۡ إِلَيۡهِمۡ أَمۡوَٰلَهُمۡ فَأَشۡهِدُواْ عَلَيۡهِمۡۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبٗا 

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. 

(An-Nisa 4:6) 

إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَٰلَ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِى بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًۭا ۖ وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيرًۭا  

 Indeed, those who unjustly consume orphans’ wealth ˹in fact˺ consume nothing but fire into their bellies. And they will be burned in a blazing Hell! 

(An-Nisa 4:10) 

Educational Rights: 

Orphans have the right to receive a proper education. This includes access to schools, books, and educational resources. Ensuring their educational well-being is crucial for their future success. 

Healthcare: 

Orphans should receive adequate healthcare. This includes regular medical check-ups, vaccinations, and access to medical treatment when needed. 

THE RIGHT TO DIGNITY: 

Allah rebukes the Quraysh for dishonoring Orphans in the Quran, Allah  simultaneously states that orphans must be honored and respected. Not only are they granted support, they also deserve high dignity, like other individuals as well.  

فَأَمَّا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنُ إِذَا مَا ٱبْتَلَىٰهُ رَبُّهُۥ فَأَكْرَمَهُۥ وَنَعَّمَهُۥ فَيَقُولُ رَبِّىٓ أَكْرَمَنِ ١٥ وَأَمَّآ إِذَا مَا ٱبْتَلَىٰهُ فَقَدَرَ عَلَيْهِ رِزْقَهُۥ فَيَقُولُ رَبِّىٓ أَهَـٰنَنِ ١٦ كَلَّا ۖ بَل لَّا تُكْرِمُونَ ٱلْيَتِيمَ ١٧ 

Now, whenever a human being is tested by their Lord through ˹His˺ generosity and blessings, they boast, “My Lord has ˹deservedly˺ honoured me!” 

But when He tests them by limiting their provision, they protest, “My Lord has ˹undeservedly˺ humiliated me!” 

Absolutely not! In fact, you are not ˹even˺ gracious to the orphan, 

(Surah Al-Fajr, verse 15 to 17(89:15-17)  

THE RIGHT TO SUPPORT: 

According to the Quran, orphans have the right to be taken care of. However, with every right, comes responsibility, and the Quran places this responsibility on the individual. This means that every Muslim should give Support to orphans in need.  

يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ ۖ قُلْ مَآ أَنفَقْتُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍۢ فَلِلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ ۗ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍۢ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٌۭ ٢١٥ 

They ask you, [O Muḥammad], what they should spend. Say, “Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.”  

(Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 215(2:215) 

Below are various forms of Support 

Emotional and Psychological Support: 

Orphans have the right to emotional and psychological support. They should be treated with kindness, compassion, and love. Providing a stable and nurturing environment is essential for their well-being. 

Shelter and Basic Needs: 

Orphans have the right to a decent standard of living, including proper housing, clothing, and nutritious food. Guardians are responsible for meeting these basic needs. 

Social Integration: 

Orphans should be integrated into the community. This involves fostering positive social relationships, allowing them to participate in community activities, and preventing isolation. 

Justice and Fair Treatment: 

Orphans are entitled to fair and just treatment. Islam prohibits any form of discrimination or injustice against them. Guardians must ensure that orphans are treated with dignity and respect. 

Advocacy for Their Rights: 

Society, including family members and the community, is responsible for advocating and safeguarding the rights of orphans. This includes legal protection and support to ensure their well-being. 

Data of Orphans in South Africa 

According to the most recent survey, Stats SA data speculates that there are around 2.3 million orphans living in South Africa – 1.2 million have lost their father, 460,308 have lost their mother, and 374,520 have lost both parents. 

ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA (islamic-relief.org.za) 

Islam places great importance on caring for orphans, and fulfilling their rights is considered a virtuous and rewarding act. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the significance of compassion, justice, and responsibility in dealing with orphaned children. Muslims are encouraged to actively contribute to the well-being and success of orphans in their communities. 

Arabic Quotes 

الإحسانُ إلى اليتيمِ يفتحُ أبوابَ الجنان  

“Doing good to the orphan opens the doors of paradise.” 

خَيْرُ بَيْتٍ فِيهِ يَتِيمٌ يُحْسِنُ إِلَيْهِ 

“The best home is in which an orphan is treated well” 

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