Caring for orphans holds a special and honoured place in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ promised that the sponsor of an orphan will be with him in Paradise. Learn why orphan sponsorship matters, what it covers, and how $50 a month gives a vulnerable child food, shelter, and education.
Caring for orphans holds a uniquely cherished place in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — himself an orphan — promised the highest companionship in Paradise to those who look after them. Through orphan sponsorship, you can step into that role for a child who has lost everything.
"I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise," and he held his two fingers together to illustrate. — Sahih al-Bukhari
The Holy Quran repeatedly commands believers to honour, protect and provide for orphans. To care for an orphan is to soften your heart, purify your wealth, and earn immense reward. It is one of the most direct ways to follow the example of the Prophet ﷺ and to put your faith into action.
When you sponsor an orphan through READ Foundation, your gift covers every essential a growing child needs:
For just $50 a month — about $1.65 a day — or $600 a year, you keep a child in school and out of danger. It is also fully Zakat-applicable, so you can fulfil your Zakat obligation while changing a life.
Orphan sponsorship isn't an anonymous transaction. It's a commitment to a real child with a name, a story, and a future. Your support gives them stability, dignity, and the confidence that someone in the world believes in them. For orphaned girls especially, sponsorship can mean the difference between early marriage and a full education — read more about the transformative power of girls' education.
Education is what turns a sponsored child into a self-sufficient adult who can lift their whole family out of poverty. That's the long game of orphan sponsorship — and it's why we believe so strongly in the importance of education. If you'd prefer to give a one-off gift instead of a monthly commitment, you can still contribute any amount to our orphan fund and help children in urgent need.