Minahil’s life was forever changed when she lost both her parents at a young age. At just 3 years old, she lost her father in a car accident, and then lost her mother at the age of 5. Along with her two sisters, Minahil was taken in by her aunt, but due to financial struggles, she was unable to attend school for a few years.

However, things changed for the better when Minahil’s aunt came across a team from Islamic Relief Pakistan. The organisation was looking to support orphans and provided Minahil with the opportunity to go back to school. Today, Minahil is enjoying her education and making friends.

“I like going to school because I like my teachers and I have friends there. We study and play together,” says Minahil. 

Minahil’s aunt also expresses her gratitude to Islamic Relief. She says, “I want to thank Islamic Relief. It’s because of them that so many children are getting educated.”

The Importance of Orphan Sponsorship in Islam

Minahil’s story is just one example of how initiatives like Islamic Relief’s OrphanCare Programme are making a difference in the lives of orphans. It also, in turn, echoes and affirms the great importance Islam places on caring for and looking after those in need, especially orphans. 

In Islam, numerous verses in the Quran and many ahadith highlight the virtues of supporting and protecting orphans. In one particular hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “I and the person who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise,” and linked his two fingers together to show how close they will be to each other in the afterlife.

Orphan sponsorship programs like the one offered by Islamic Relief provide not only financial support but also a sense of belonging and community for orphaned children like Minahil and her sisters. It helps them to have access to education, healthcare, and other basic needs, allowing them to achieve their full potential and succeed in life. 

The Need for Orphan Sponsorship

Unfortunately, the number of orphans in the world is staggering. According to UNICEF, there are over 140 million orphans globally, with the majority of them living in developing countries. These children are often faced with poverty, lack of education and limited opportunities, and are in desperate need of external support. 

That’s why orphan sponsorship programs like Islamic Relief’s OrphanCare are here to provide a lifeline for these children, giving them the chance to break the cycle of poverty and build a better future. Through your generosity and kindness, Islamic Relief can provide for thousands of orphans worldwide and fulfil a noble cause that is highly emphasised in Islam.  

As the need for Orphan sponsorship continues to grow, by becoming a sponsor with Islamic Relief, you can make a real difference in the life of an orphan and help them build a brighter future.