Q 1: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, I and the one who looks after an orphan will be in Jannah (Paradise) like this. He (peace be upon him) pointed with the index and the middle fingers. Does a person who takes care of an orphan through charitable institutions receive this reward, or must he do it in person? Please advise, may Allah reward you.

A: A person who takes care of an orphan through trusted charitable institutions that take care of them and their (Part No. 14; Page No. 251) clothing, residence, costs and so on, is considered to be taking care of the orphan in Shaa' Allah (if Allah wills). They are granted a great reward which enables them to enter Jannah. This is according to what was reported from Sahl ibn Sa`d from the Prophet (peace be upon him), that he said, I and the one who looks after an orphan will be in Jannah like this. He (peace be upon him) pointed with the index and middle fingers separating them. Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim in their two Sahih (authentic) Books of Hadith. This is the wording of Al-Bukhari. This reward is not restricted to a person who takes care of an orphan at home. However, if an orphan is very needy, and a person takes care of him or her at home, they are going to be rewarded more than a person who only pays them money. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.