The Importance of Caring for Orphans and Children in Islam

Caring for orphans and vulnerable children is a fundamental duty in Islam. The Qur'an emphasizes the importance of protecting their dignity and fulfilling their rights.

Allah says: "They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, 'Whatever you spend of good is for parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, and the traveler. And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is Knowing of it.'" Al-Baqarah: 215

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: "The one who cares for an orphan will be with me in Paradise, like this," showing his middle and index fingers, separated. Sahih Al-Bukhari

Children are a gift from Allah and a trust (Amanah). They deserve to be cared for and nurtured with love and compassion. At Rahma Worldwide, we are inspired by the teachings of Islam to provide for vulnerable orphans and children, following the guidance of the Prophet (ﷺ).

Can I Choose the Gender, Age, or Location of the Child I Wish to Sponsor?

Yes, in exceptional cases, such as through our panel’s recommendations, you may have the opportunity to choose the gender, age, or location of the child you wish to sponsor. However, for general donations, you cannot select these specific details. This approach ensures that all orphans, regardless of gender, age, or background, have equal opportunities to receive sponsorship.

What Happens if We Cancel the Sponsorship?

Please provide three months' notice before canceling your sponsorship, allowing us time to find an alternative sponsor. If this notice is not given, you will be required to make a payment to cover the three months. However, if exceptional circumstances prevent this, Rahma will continue to support the child for an additional three months until a new sponsor is secured.

What Is Orphan Sponsorship, and How Does It Work?

Child sponsorship is a powerful way to make a direct impact, creating a meaningful connection between you and a vulnerable orphan.

Across the world, many children living in poverty are placed in orphanages, even when they have living family members. This often happens because their carers feel they can’t provide for them. Unfortunately, being placed in an orphanage can rob a child of the love, family support, and sense of belonging they need.

Rahma Worldwide’s Orphan Sponsorship Program offers a compassionate and supportive solution. By providing a steady, ongoing donation, we enable carers to care for their children with confidence. This support ensures the child remains in the safest, most nurturing environment, their own family.

When you sponsor a child, you’re keeping them where they belong: surrounded by love, stability, and the family bond. Plus, you’ll receive regular updates on how your support is transforming the child’s life and their family’s future.

Is Sponsoring a Child the Same as Adopting a Child?

No, the child you sponsor will remain with their own family. Your support plays a crucial role in ensuring that their basic needs are met, allowing them to thrive in their family environment.

How Does Rahma Worldwide Define an Orphan, and Who Is Eligible for Sponsorship?

At Rahma Worldwide, we sponsor orphans, focusing on each child's needs and prioritizing those with the most significant vulnerabilities.

In Islam, an orphan, or Al-Yateem, is defined as a child who has lost their father, including those who may still have a mother. A child remains an orphan until they reach maturity or understanding.

We also consider children who have been without a father for an extended period (at least two years) or those with an unknown father, including refugees or internally displaced children, where the absence of the father extends for at least one year.

In line with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Rahma Worldwide defines a child as anyone under 18. However, if a donor wishes, they can continue sponsoring a child beyond this age.

Which Countries Are Available for Child Sponsorship?

We currently serve the areas with the greatest need for orphan sponsorship, which are Yemen, Palestine (Gaza), Syria, Türkiye, Somalia, and Kenya.

For more information or to apply for sponsorship in Gaza, please contact our office or visit one of our local offices or events.

How Do You Select the Orphans, and Who Receives the Sponsorship? What Additional Support Is Provided to Families in Orphan Support Centers?

Our sponsorship program focuses on the most vulnerable orphan families in the countries we serve. Beneficiaries are selected based on clear, transparent criteria, established after identifying the most at-risk communities. The key factors we consider include:

- Income: We prioritize families with the lowest income.
- Family size and age of children: Families with a high dependency ratio and those with children or caregivers who have disabilities are given preference.
- Housing conditions: Families living in the poorest conditions, especially those renting, are prioritized.
- Health: We prioritize children who are in poor health, including those who are malnourished.
- Double orphans: Orphans who have lost both parents are prioritized as they often face greater challenges.
- Area of living: Families in hazardous environments, such as those near wastewater or unhygienic regions, are given priority.
Employment status of the guardian: We prioritize families with unemployed guardians, especially mothers.

Additionally, we provide support to families living in local orphanages. We directly support these centers, and the results of the support are closely supervised. We focus on sustainable projects, schools, and other initiatives that benefit the entire families within these centers, ensuring long-term impact and progress.

How Are the Funds from Child Sponsorship Used to Support Orphans and Their Families?

Our goal is to meet the most essential needs of the orphan and their family, focusing primarily on nutrition, health, and education. The sponsorship funds are provided through cash transfers, giving families the flexibility to use the funds for their immediate needs.

These funds are specifically allocated to address children’s basic physical needs, including food, water, healthcare, clothing, and shelter. Additionally, the funds ensure that the sponsored children receive an education, covering school fees, uniforms, books, and stationery throughout their childhood.

How Long Will the Sponsorship Continue?

Child sponsorship is typically a recurring commitment that lasts as long as the donor continues to contribute. While some donors opt for a one-year sponsorship, it is generally preferred to provide continuous support to ensure that the orphans’ needs are consistently met. Disrupting this ongoing assistance can affect the child's well-being.

Donors also have the option to end the sponsorship when the orphan turns 18. However, they can also choose to continue the sponsorship beyond this age. This can help the orphan further their education. It can also help continue providing essential support if the orphan has special needs or lives with a disability.

What Happens to Missed Payments?

If donations are missed for three consecutive months and are not repaid, Rahma Worldwide will have to contact you or cancel the sponsorship if you do not answer. We will also work to find a new sponsor for the family to ensure continuous support.

Donors will be promptly notified if a monthly donation is missed, which may sometimes occur due to technical issues. If the missed donations are repaid, the sponsorship will continue as planned.

Rahma Worldwide is committed to ensuring that all sponsored orphans receive their donations, and this can only be achieved when the contributions are received on time. We have a duty of care towards the children we support, and this responsibility relies on the ongoing support of our donors. If there are any changes in the donor's circumstances, please inform Rahma Worldwide as soon as possible.

Could My Sponsorship Be Unexpectedly Cancelled?

Sponsorship may be canceled for several reasons, including but not limited to a significant increase in the family’s income, the family relocating without providing updated contact information, misuse of sponsorship funds, the unfortunate death of the child, or the child entering into marriage. Rahma Worldwide opposes violations of the laws of host countries and upholds the principles of international law. In these cases, we will contact you directly to explain the cancellation and facilitate the transfer of your sponsorship to another child in need.

In addition, sponsorship may be terminated if it is found that the sponsor has a criminal record that is contrary to state policy or poses a risk to the well-being of the children or community. We take these matters seriously to ensure the integrity and safety of our programs.

Moreover, sponsorship may be canceled if we discover that the sponsor has engaged in any inappropriate or unauthorized contact with the child they are sponsoring. In such cases, sponsorship will be immediately canceled, and the sponsor will be informed that they will no longer be eligible to sponsor any other child through Rahma Worldwide.

Can I Communicate with the Child I Sponsor?

Yes. Sponsors and orphans can exchange correspondence through Rahma Worldwide’s designated office. Sponsors are welcome to email a letter to the Orphan Sponsorship Officer or contact our office for further assistance and to discuss any sponsorship details.

Can Donors Contact the Sponsored Child's Family Directly by Phone, Email, or Social Media?

Unfortunately, Rahma Worldwide does not share personal details of either the sponsor or the orphan child. While we sincerely appreciate and respect the generosity of our donors and supporters, we have a responsibility to minimize any risks involved.

There is a minimal, but real, risk that personal information could be accessed by unauthorized individuals, often through illegal means, which could put both the orphan and the sponsor at risk. Ensuring the safety and protection of all children in the communities we serve is our top priority. Unmonitored communication could expose children to inappropriate content or suggestions, which we aim to avoid at all costs.

Additionally, we prioritize the security of our donors, and unmonitored communication could pose potential risks, such as cybercrime or identity theft. While we understand this may be disappointing to some, this policy is in place to protect both the children and our supporters.

Can I Include a Gift for My Sponsored Orphan Child with My Letters?

To ensure the secure and efficient delivery of gifts to your sponsored child, we request that all gifts be coordinated through our Orphan Sponsorship Office or selected from our 'Send a Gift to an Orphan' portal. These methods provide a reliable pathway for your thoughtful contribution.

Can I Visit the Child I Sponsor, and What Are the Guidelines for Such Visits?

After undergoing the necessary security checks, you may visit your sponsored child and see the positive impact of your support firsthand. The sponsor is responsible for covering all costs associated with the visit.
In accordance with our Child Protection Policy, all visits must be arranged and supervised by a Rahma Worldwide representative and take place at a Rahma Worldwide office. Additionally, a Child Welfare officer from the country field office will oversee the visit to ensure the child's safety and well-being.
Our Child Protection Policy is designed to protect vulnerable children and their families. For more information regarding the visitation process, please contact our office through phone: +1 248-566-3111