Orphan Rights

SocietySponsoring oforphans contributesin constructing ahealthy society freefrom hatred, yet,ruled by the spirit oflove and affectionbe done to you”.Orphan rights in IslamIslamic Law gives a greatattention to orphans andto others of similar situation.It gives them care andrecognizes their rights whichwill ensure them a dignifiedlife and stable psychologicaland social life. The followingsare the summary of the mostimportant rights, guaranteedby Islam to the orphans andthe like, so that it may not beignored:the rights of the others, andto beg of men. And Allah hashated for you, vain uselesstalk, or that you talk toomuch about others, to asktoo many questions, and towaste the wealth.” [Bukhari:Book #41, Hadith #591].With these guidelines,Islam has confirmed theinalienable right of thechild to life that cannotbe violated, in any way,especially for an orphan orthe like. This right is confirmedeven more for those withunknown parents.a healthy society free fromhatred, yet, ruled by thespirit of love and affection.The Messenger, peace beupon him, said: “You seethe believers as regardstheir being merciful amongthemselves and showinglove among themselves andbeing kind, resembling onebody, so that, if any part ofthe body is not well thenthe whole body shares thesleeplessness (insomnia) andfever with it.” [Bukhari: Book #73, Hadith # 40]Sponsoring of orphanspurifies the wealth of Muslimand it is of good moral andof great blessing and it addsblessings to his sustenance.Sponsoring of orphans isa protection for our ownorphans, after us, as otherswould sponsor them, aswe did other’s. Allah, theAlmighty said: “Those whoare concerned about thewelfare of their own childrenafter their death, should havefear of Allah (when dealingwith the orphans) and guidethem properly.” [An-Nisaa:9]. A Muslim sponsors anorphan, today; he is workingfor himself if he leaves behindweak offspring, tomorrow.“Whatever you do, it wouldThe right to lifeThis is the most prominentright given to the child,by the Islamic Law. Wherefemale infanticide was acommon practice, in pre-Islam era, out of fear ofshame, in addition to thekilling of children for fear ofpenury and poverty, Islamforbade those practices;Allah, the Almighty, said:“And do not kill your childrenfor fear of poverty. Weprovide for them and foryou. Indeed, their killing isever a great sin.” [Al-Isra: 31].When the Messenger, peacebe upon him, was asked:“Which sin is the greatest inAllah’s Sight?” The Prophetsaid, “To set up a rival untoAllah though He Alonecreated you.” The man said,“What is next?” The Prophetsaid, “To kill your son lest heshould share your food withyou.” The man said, “Whatis next?” The Prophet said,“To commit illegal sexualintercourse with the wife ofyour neighbor.” [Bukhari:Book # 83, Hadith # 1]. He,peace be upon him, alsosaid: “Allah has forbiddenfor you, to be undutiful toyour mothers, to bury yourdaughters alive, to not to payThe right of kinshipAs the Islamic Lawguaranteed the childthe right to life, it alsoguaranteed him the rightof descent and associationto his father, so he is notsubject to obscurity, and,consequently, the lossof other rights, such asspending and inheritance.Allah, the Almighty, hasdecided that in the Quraanas He says: “Proclaim theirreal parentage. That willbe more equitable in thesight of Allah. And if youknow not their fathers, then(they are) your brethren inthe faith, and your friends.”[Al-Ahzab: 5]. Islam forbidsmanipulation of genealogy,or the attempt to associatethe child to other than hisfather. For that, Islam has laiddown severe punishmentif such an act has beenproven. The Messenger,peace be upon him, said:“If somebody claims to bethe son of somebody otherthan his father knowingly,he will be denied Paradise.”[Bukhari: Book #59, Hadith#616].Thus, Islam guaranteedto the child, orphan orotherwise, his association tohis biological father and to8An Islamic Periodical Magazine - Issue No 18 June 2010