'A'isha said, "A woman came to me who had two of her daughters with her. She asked me for something, but I could not find anything except for a single date which I gave her. She divided it between her daughters and then got up and left. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, came in and I told him what had happened. He said, 'Whoever looks after these girls in any way and is good to them will have them as a veil from the Fire.'"
Hadith Commentary: Generosity and Orphans
This blessed narration from Umm al-Mu'minin 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) is recorded in Imam al-Bukhari's "Al-Adab Al-Mufrad" (Hadith 132) under the chapter concerning the virtue of caring for girls and orphans.
Contextual Analysis
The incident demonstrates profound lessons in contentment and maternal sacrifice. The woman, despite her evident poverty, prioritized her daughters' nourishment over her own hunger.
'A'isha's action, though seemingly small (giving a single date), exemplifies the Islamic principle that even minimal charity, when given sincerely, carries immense spiritual weight.
Prophetic Declaration
The Prophet's (ﷺ) statement establishes a direct correlation between caring for female children and protection from Hellfire. The Arabic term "hijab" (veil/barrier) indicates a complete protection - these righteous actions serve as an impenetrable shield against divine punishment.
Scholars note this applies particularly to guardians of orphaned girls, but extends to all who show kindness and provide for female dependents in need.
Legal and Spiritual Implications
This hadith emphasizes the elevated status of caring for vulnerable members of society, especially females who were often neglected in pre-Islamic era.
The comprehensive phrase "in any way" includes financial support, emotional care, education, protection, and kind treatment - all becoming means of salvation.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani comments that such care serves as expiation for sins and elevates one's ranks in the Hereafter.