Friday Sermon for 1 Muharram: Attaining Paradise by Caring for Orphans

We are in the month of Muharram, the opening month of the Hijri year, which is also included among the sacred months honoured by Allah. In our culture, this month is often referred to as Lebaran Anak Yatim (the Orphans’ Eid). This designation reflects a noble value taught by Islam: honouring and caring for orphans.

Orphans hold a very special place in society according to Islamic law. Allah has repeatedly mentioned them in the Qur’an and made caring for them a characteristic of the faithful and the inhabitants of paradise.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: ‘I and the caretaker of the orphan will be in paradise like this,’ and he held up his index and middle fingers together, keeping them close. (Narrated by Bukhari)