In the Quran, orphans are mentioned 23 times. The Prophet Muhammad (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) placed caring for orphans at the heart of Islamic life. Yet in Pakistan today, millions of children grow up without one or both parents, denied education, nutrition, and emotional safety. Orphan sponsorship is Islam’s answer to this injustice — and one of the most powerful acts of charity available to any Muslim.
This guide explains the Islamic basis for orphan care, what modern sponsorship involves, how to verify legitimate programs, and how you can start sponsoring through Amanatdaar Welfare Trust‘s verified programs today.
The Quran commands believers directly: ‘And they give food, in spite of love for it, to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.’ (Surah Al-Insan 76:8). The Prophet (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) said: ‘I and the one who cares for an orphan will be in Paradise like this’ — and he joined his index and middle fingers together (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Islamic scholars across all four major schools of jurisprudence agree that caring for orphans is among the most elevated acts of worship — a collective obligation (fard kifaya) on the Muslim community.
Pakistan is home to an estimated 4.2 million orphans according to UNICEF data. The causes are varied — poverty, disease, natural disasters (including the devastating 2022 floods), and conflict. Without education, these children face a near-certain cycle of poverty. Without nutrition, their cognitive development is stunted. Orphan sponsorship breaks this cycle directly.
Amanatdaar’s Education Support and Well-being for Orphans program provides scholarships covering school fees, learning materials, and educational well-being. The trust also runs Education Support for Underprivileged Children, ensuring that vulnerability — not just orphan status — is the qualifying criterion for support.
If the orphaned child is poor (true of the vast majority in Pakistan), then yes — Zakat can be used to cover their education, food, and basic needs. Amanatdaar clearly marks which programs are Zakat-applicable. If unsure, visit Amanatdaar’s FAQs page or contact the team for guidance.
Amanatdaar offers a unique Hifz Sponsorship Program for donors wishing to sponsor a child’s Quranic education. ‘Whoever memorises the Quran, Allah will crown their parents with a crown of light on the Day of Judgement whose light is like the sun.’ (Tirmidhi). Sponsoring a Hifz student becomes a form of Sadaqah Jariya — a continuing reward for you.
Amanatdaar meets all five criteria. It is FBR-registered, PCP-certified (No. PCP/2024/987), publishes annual and audit reports, holds US 501(c)(3) status (Tax ID: 99-3595732), and maintains a transparent donor dashboard for real-time project tracking.
Amanatdaar has granted over 1,399 scholarships to children across Karachi and Pakistan. You can read some of these journeys on the Life Stories page.
You can also browse all Amanatdaar programs to find additional ways to give — from food rations to widow support. Every program works together to give vulnerable families a pathway out of poverty.
The Prophet (صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ) promised that the one who cares for an orphan will stand beside him in Paradise. Amanatdaar’s orphan sponsorship programs are certified, transparent, and life-changing. Start your sponsorship today and take your place beside the Prophet in what he promised.
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