In a hadith of Prophet Muhammad SAW, caring for orphans is recommended to soften the heart and achieve inner peace. This teaching highlights the social and spiritual benefits of kindness toward orphans. The Quran and hadiths also emphasize the noble status of orphans in the sight of Allah SWT.
An article from Republika Online discusses a hadith narrated by Thabrani, in which Prophet Muhammad SAW said: "If you want your heart to become soft and peaceful and your desires to be fulfilled, then love the orphan. Stroke his head, and give him food like what you eat. If you do that, your heart will be calm and soft, and your desires will be fulfilled." This message is described as a recipe for heart softness, with benefits extending beyond social value to mental-spiritual realms.
The Quran in Surah Ad-Dhuha verse 9 prohibits harshness toward orphans: "As for the orphan, do not oppress him." The Prophet SAW was known for his gentleness toward orphans; on Eid al-Fitr, he stroked an orphan, took him home, and said: "Child, would you like me to be your father and Aisyah your mother?" This erased sadness from the child's face.
Caring for orphans is recommended as a source of inner peace, especially before and during Ramadan, when the Prophet SAW was diligent in giving charity. A hadith from Abu Umamah states: "Whoever strokes the head of a male or female orphan for Allah's sake, for every hair stroked by his hand, there is much goodness. Whoever does good to a female or male orphan, I am with him in Paradise like this (the Prophet SAW joined his index and middle fingers)."
The story of Zainab, wife of Ibnu Mas'ud, who asked the Prophet SAW about the reward for charity to her husband and orphans, illustrates the ideal way to care for them. The Prophet SAW confirmed the reward for such deeds.