Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "I and the guardian of the orphan will be in the Garden like that," indicating his forefinger and middle finger.
Hadith Text
Sahl ibn Sa'd reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "I and the guardian of the orphan will be in the Garden like that," indicating his forefinger and middle finger.
Scholarly Commentary
This noble hadith from Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 135 demonstrates the immense virtue of caring for orphans. The Prophet's ﷺ gesture with his two fingers signifies the closeness between him and the orphan's guardian in Paradise.
Scholars explain that the two fingers - being inseparable and adjacent - symbolize the intimate proximity and companionship the orphan's caretaker will enjoy with the Prophet ﷺ in the highest levels of Jannah.
The term "guardian" (qayyim) encompasses anyone who assumes responsibility for an orphan's upbringing, protection, and financial support, embodying the book's theme "Generosity and Orphans" through practical compassion.
This proximity to the Prophet ﷺ represents the ultimate spiritual reward, surpassing mere entry into Paradise, emphasizing that caring for vulnerable members of society elevates one's station in the Hereafter.
Practical Implications
This hadith encourages Muslims to actively seek out opportunities to support orphans through financial sponsorship, emotional care, educational guidance, and overall protection.
The reward is not limited to blood relatives but extends to anyone who takes responsibility for an orphan's welfare, reflecting the comprehensive mercy of Islamic teachings toward society's most vulnerable.