Hadith #11435

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his noble family, the Ahl al-Bayt, and his righteous companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ رَعَى الأيْتامَ رُعِيَ في بَنيهِ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever takes care of the orphans, his children will be cared for.

This wise utterance emphasizes the importance of showing compassion and providing support to those who are vulnerable and in need, particularly orphans.

Let us delve into the deeper meanings of this Hadith in light of the Quran. The word (ra'a) "رَعَى" in Arabic means to take care of, nurture, and protect. It implies a sense of responsibility and guardianship towards those who are dependent on us. The term (al-aytam) "الأيْتامَ" refers to orphans, who are children that have lost one or both parents and are left without the care and guidance that parents provide.

In the Quran, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of caring for orphans and treating them with kindness and justice. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 83, Allah says,

And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], 'Do not worship except Allah; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.' Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.

This verse highlights the obligation to care for orphans, along with other acts of righteousness. It serves as a reminder that taking care of orphans is not only a moral duty but also a religious obligation. By fulfilling this duty, we not only benefit the orphans but also reap the rewards of Allah's blessings and mercy.

Moreover, in Surah Ad-Duha, Allah consoles the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) by reminding him of the blessings He has bestowed upon him. In verse 6, Allah says,

Did He not find you an orphan and give [you] refuge?

This verse reminds us of the Prophet's own experience as an orphan and highlights the importance of providing care and support to those who have lost their parents.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement in the Hadith reflects the profound wisdom and knowledge he possessed. By encouraging the care of orphans, he emphasizes the reciprocal nature of kindness and compassion. When we extend our care and support to those in need, particularly orphans, we create a ripple effect of goodness that extends to our own children.

When we take care of orphans, we set an example for our children to follow. We instill in them the values of empathy, compassion, and social responsibility. Our children witness firsthand the positive impact of their parents' actions, and this shapes their character and behavior. They learn the importance of giving back to society and caring for those less fortunate.

Furthermore, the care and support we provide to orphans can have far-reaching consequences. By investing in their well-being, we contribute to their physical, emotional, and spiritual development. We give them a chance to thrive and overcome the challenges they face. This, in turn, can lead to a brighter future for them and their communities.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the importance of caring for orphans. It aligns with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the rights and welfare of orphans. By fulfilling this duty, we not only fulfill our religious obligations but also create a positive impact on society. Our care and support for orphans not only benefits them but also extends to our own children, shaping their character and instilling in them the values of compassion and social responsibility. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to fulfill our duties towards orphans and grant us the ability to be a source of love and support for those in need.