Muslims should show kindness to widows and orphans according to this week’s sermon, which says such actions are a priority in Islam and lead to great rewards.
“Islam is considerate of all social classes and makes caring for the weak and vulnerable a priority,” says the sermon.
Caring for orphans and respecting their rights is obligatory, and anyone who sponsors an orphan will have a place next to the Prophet Mohammed in Heaven.
In one hadith the Prophet pointed to his hand explaining that in heaven he and the sponsor of an orphan would be as close as his two fingers.
The Quran also contains warnings against doing injustice to orphans or stealing their money.
“Therefore, the orphan oppress not,” says one verse. “Lo! Those who devour the wealth of orphans wrongfully, they do but swallow fire into their bellies, and they will be exposed to burning flame,” says another verse.
After the worship of Allah and main pillars of Islam, the Quran makes several references to the need to care for orphans. “The sponsor of an orphan takes care of him or her, pays his expenses, raises and educates him, shows him acts of kindness,” says the sermon.
In so doing, the sponsor is seen as a saviour in this life, which is why Allah has exalted his status.
hdajani@thenational.ae