Caring for orphans in the month of Muharram carries abundant rewards. Although there have been criticisms from scholars, the practice is firmly grounded. Discover the compassionate prayers when caring for these children.
One of the inseparable traditions among Indonesian Muslims is caring for orphans during the month of Muharram. This practice is based on a hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which emphasizes the virtues of the day of Ashura specifically and the month of Muharram in general. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
مَنْ صَامَ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ مِنَ الْمُحَرَّمِ أَعْطَاهُ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى ثَوَابَ عَشْرَةِ آلافِ مَلَكٍ ، وَمَنْ صَامَ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ مِنَ الْمُحَرَّمِ أُعْطِيَ ثَوَابَ عَشْرَةِ آلَافِ حَاجٍّ وَمُعْتَمِرٍ وَعَشْرَةِ آلافِ شَهِيدٍ ، وَمَنْ مَسَحَ يَدَهُ عَلَى رَأْسِ يَتِيمٍ يَوْمَ عَاشُورَاءَ رَفَعَ اللَّهُ تَعَالَى لَهُ بِكُلِّ شَعْرَةٍ دَرَجَةً
"Whoever fasts on the day of Ashura (the 10th of Muharram), Allah will grant him the reward of ten thousand angels. And whoever fasts on the day of Ashura out of love for Allah, he will be rewarded with the merits of ten thousand pilgrims and ten thousand martyrs. And whoever strokes the head of an orphan on the day of Ashura, for every hair that is touched, Allah will raise his status." [Abu Lais as-Samarqandi, Tanbihul Ghafilin bi-Ahaditsi Sayyidil Anbiya wal Mursalin, [Beirut, Dar Ibnu Kasir: 2000M], page 331].
Though this hadith holds deep meaning regarding the reward for caring for orphans, there have been some criticisms from scholars about its authenticity.
This hadith is the only one specifically encouraging the act of caring for orphans or stroking their heads during the month of Muharram. It emphasizes the immense rewards awaiting those who show love and concern to orphans during this period.
Despite differing opinions, it does not mean that the tradition of caring for orphans in Muharram lacks a solid foundation. There are numerous other hadiths from the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stressing the significance of caring for orphans generally, without limiting it to a specific time or place.
The Prophet (PBUH) also said:
وَأَنَا وَكَافِلُ الْيَتِيمِ فِي الْجَنَّةِ هَكَذَا وَأَشَارَ بِالسَّبَّابَةِ وَالْوُسْطَى وَفَرَّجَ بَيْنَهُمَا شَيْئًا
"I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise," indicating by joining his index and middle fingers, and separating them a little. (Hadith narrated by Bukhari)
Another hadith states that feeding an orphan brings blessings. The Prophet (PBUH) said:
ما من مائدة أعظم بركة من مائدة جلس عليها يتيم
"There is no table spread on Earth that is greater in blessings than a table on which an orphan is fed." (Hadith narrated by Ahmad)
Prayers When Caring for Orphans
When caring for orphans, you may recite several prayers to accompany your good intentions. One such prayer is recommended when stroking an orphan's head, as mentioned by Imam al-Munawi in the book Faidul Qadir:
جَبرَ اللهُ يُتْمَكَ وَجَعَلَكَ خَلْفًا مِنْ أَبِيْكَ
"May Allah grant you completeness and make you a good replacement for your father." (al-Munawi, Faidh al-Qadir, [Egypt, al-Maktabah at-Tijariyyah al-Kubra: 1356 H], volume 1, page 108)
Additionally, when hosting an orphan at your home, it's encouraged to recite a prayer. Serving food to orphans is another way of receiving abundant blessings. During this special moment, you can supplicate:
اللَّهُمَّ ارْزُقْنِي فِيهِ رَحْمَةَ الْأَيْتَامِ وَ إِطْعَامَ الطَّعَامِ وَ إِفْشَاءَ السَّلامِ وَ صُحْبَةَ الْكِرَامِ بِطَوْلِكَ يَا مَلْجَأَ الْآمِلِين
"O Allah, provide me with mercy for orphans, the ability to feed the hungry, and the spreading of peace while being in the company of the noble ones, through Your grace, O refuge of those who hope." (Miftah Al-Jannat fi Al-Ad'iyah wa Al-A'mal wa Al-Shalawat wa Al-Ziarat)
Though this prayer is typically recited during Ramadan, it's relevant for caring for orphans as well, as it reflects a spirit of love and compassion towards them. May the act of caring for orphans always bring blessings and draw us closer to Allah. Wallahu a’lam.
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