What is the definition of an orphan?

ما هو تعريف اليتيم؟

In Islamic jurisprudence, an orphan is specifically defined as a child who has lost their father before reaching the age of puberty. Islam places immense importance on preserving the rights of orphans and treating them with the utmost kindness and care.

في الفقه الإسلامي، يعرف اليتيم تحديدا بأنه الطفل الذي فقد أباه قبل بلوغ سن الحلم. ويولي الإسلام أهمية بالغة لحفظ حقوق الأيتام ومعاملتهم بأقصى درجات الإحسان والرعاية.

Protecting the vulnerable is a core pillar of Islamic morality. The definition of an orphan in Islam establishes clear legal and social boundaries to ensure that growing children who lose their primary provider receive the support they need.

تعتبر حماية الضعفاء ركيزة أساسية في الأخلاق الإسلامية. ويضع تعريف اليتيم في الإسلام حدودا قانونية واجتماعية واضحة لضمان حصول الأطفال الذين يفقدون معيلهم الأساسي على الدعم الذي يحتاجون إليه.

The Definition and Condition | التعريف والشرط

The orphan is one who lost his father before puberty, referring to what has been established by Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him: "No one is considered an orphan after puberty."
يطلق لفظ اليتيم على من فقد أباه قبل البلوغ، استدلالا بما ثبت عن علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنه: "لا يتم بعد احتلام".

Preserving the Rights of Orphans | حفظ حقوق اليتيم

Allah has preserved the right of the orphan, and He has legislated and recommended it to His creation.

Allah Almighty says: (Worship Allah alone and associate none with Him. And be kind to parents, relatives, orphans, the poor) Surah An Nisa'a 4: 36.
وقد حفظ الله تعالى حق اليتيم، وأنزل تشريعات في ذلك ووصى بها عباده.

فقال: (وَاعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا وَبِذِي الْقُرْبَىٰ وَالْيَتَامَىٰ وَالْمَسَاكِينِ) النساء 4: 36.

Scholarly Insight: Scholars explain that in human society, the father is generally the primary protector and financial provider for a family. Therefore, losing the father places a child in a uniquely vulnerable position, earning them the specific legal status of an "orphan" in Islamic law. However, this status naturally expires once the child reaches physical maturity (puberty), as they are then considered adults capable of taking on responsibility, earning a living, and managing their own affairs independently.

Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة

Who is considered an orphan in Islam?

In Islam, an orphan is exclusively defined as a child who has lost their father before reaching the age of puberty.

Does a person remain an orphan for their entire life?

No. As established by the statement of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the legal and social status of being an orphan completely ends once the child reaches puberty and adulthood.

What is the Islamic duty towards orphans?

Allah has legislated strict rights for orphans. Muslims are divinely commanded to treat them with immense kindness, protect their wealth, and provide them with care, placing this duty right alongside the worship of Allah and kindness to parents.

Chapter 4.3 - Morality

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