Written by: Yasser Badri
On the first Friday of April, the Arab world celebrates Orphan Child Day. This is the day on which everyone tries to make these children happy and bring them joy and happiness in order to gain the pleasure of God Almighty by caring for them and paying attention to them in various fields. However, some people wonder who the orphan is and when a day began to be set to celebrate it. In the next few lines, we will answer all these questions related to celebrating the day. Orphan child. Who is an orphan child? First, some people ask who is called an orphan, and the answer here is from Islamic law, which is that an orphan is every child, male or female, who has not reached puberty, that is, he has not reached what is called the stage of adolescence, in which the child reaches about 13 years of age, which may be more or less, and if he reaches puberty, the status of orphan is no longer for the child, in compliance with the saying of the Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, “He does not complete puberty.” Narrated by Abu Dawud, and authenticated by Al-Albani. Let us not forget that the best of all creation, our Prophet Muhammad, may God bless him and grant him peace, was born an orphan. Islamic law and orphan sponsorship? Islamic law has urged, in approximately twenty-three verses, good treatment of the orphan child, honoring him, taking care of his affairs and interests, and preserving his wealth. Among these verses, for example, is the saying of God Almighty: “And that you deal with the orphans with justice, and whatever good you do, for God is “Knowing of it,” and God Almighty also said: “As for the orphan, do not oppress it,” and God Almighty said: “And they give food out of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive.” And other noble verses that emphasize the great reward and status of the orphan’s sponsor, and whoever treats him well and compensates him for the loss of his father. Islamic law has also made trespassing on the property of orphans a crime requiring severe punishment in this world and the hereafter, in accordance with the words of the Almighty God: “Indeed, those who unjustly consume the property of orphans are only eating fire into their bellies, and they will “Highly.” Likewise, the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, pledged to the sponsor of an orphan to be next to him in Paradise, (I and the sponsor of an orphan will be in Paradise like this. He pointed with his index and middle fingers, and spaced them a little). [Sahih Al-Bukhari] What is meant by sponsorship is care, good treatment, and sensitivity, while trying to take care of the orphan financially, psychologically, and health-wise. The Messenger, peace and blessings be upon him, also said: “The most beloved of people to God are those who are most beneficial to people, and the most beloved of deeds to God - the Almighty and Majestic - is the joy that you bring to a Muslim, that relieves him of distress, or You pay off his debt, or drive away his hunger.” The beginning of the idea of ​​celebrating Orphan Day: When did the celebration of Orphan Day begin? From this standpoint, the idea of ​​celebrating Orphan Child Day emerged, which began in 2003 with a proposal from one of the NGOs working in the field of orphan care in Egypt, that the association organize a large party for a number of orphan children affiliated with it or other institutions to entertain them. The main goal of Orphan Day was to focus on the orphan’s emotional needs and draw the world’s attention to him and what he wants. The idea of ​​devoting a day to the orphan received support from public figures and the Ministry of Social Solidarity. In 2006, the Association obtained an official decision to establish an Arab Day for the Orphan from the Council of Arab Ministers of Social Affairs in its 26th session, and thus it was decided to dedicate a day to it in the Arab countries and celebrate it. The idea moved from the Egyptian scope to the Arab and international, so the first Friday of the month of April became a day dedicated to celebrating orphaned children all over the world. In 2010, the association entered the Guinness Book of World Records, when about 5,000 orphan children gathered, raising Egyptian flags, to draw attention to them and pay attention to their needs, in the foothills of the pyramid area in Giza Governorate, in a majestic scene that was admired by the world. Over time, the number of orphans participating in the Orphan Day celebration increased significantly, and the matter turned into an annual celebration at the level of all bodies and institutions, which is what those in charge of the idea had hoped for since the beginning of its introduction. The main goal of Orphan Day was to focus on the emotional needs of the orphan, and to draw the world’s attention to him and to us, and the idea received support from the state and public figures. Objectives of celebrating Orphan Day: The objective of celebrating Orphan Day is summarized in several important points, including, for example:  Getting closer to God Almighty through caring for the orphan child.  Directing attention to the emotional needs of orphan children. Working to draw the world’s attention to the interest and care given to these children. The goal is also to try to bring happiness and joy to the hearts of children.  That the child feels that he is similar to all children.  Integrating children into society. We would like to point out that devoting a day to celebrate orphan children in Egypt and the Arab world is a message to all orphans that society does not forget them, and that they are an integral part of it. Sharia also makes caring for them and meeting their demands one of its goals. Islam has singled out whoever wipes the head of an orphan with great reward and a great reward from God Almighty. So what about those who visit him constantly and do not stop there, take care of his affairs and bring joy and happiness to his heart? That is why the Messenger of God, may God bless him and grant him peace, said to those who came to him complaining of the hardness of his heart: “Clear the head of the orphan, and feed the poor.” Narrated by Ahmad. Advice from mental health doctors for celebrating orphanhood: Mental health doctors explain some psychological advice for dealing with orphaned children properly without hurting their feelings, especially on this day, which are: 1- Social participation: This is done by introducing the child to social activities with other children on an ongoing basis, in order to make friends and not feel isolated and lonely. 2- Empathy: But do not be excessive, as exaggerated empathy brings a negative result, so there must be a balance in dealing. 3- Proper upbringing: There is a great responsibility on those in charge of orphanages, to raise children with good and good morals, and to teach them their religion correctly, taking into account feelings. 4- The good word: This is by bringing joy and happiness into the child’s psyche, protecting him from psychological disorders, supporting him continuously and assisting him, dealing with the orphan with love and instilling in him self-confidence, as this makes him feel reassured, relieves his thoughts and gives him an incentive for ambition. 5- Paying attention to the psychological aspects: This is by giving him freedom of expression, and discussing with him life matters, whether personal or general matters, along with gentleness in speech and kindness in dealing with the orphan, which is one of the most powerful means to bring joy to his heart and support him psychologically. 6- Preserving the orphan’s property; Until he grows up and help with his expenses until he grows up and can earn a lawful living on his own. 7- Encouraging and praising the orphan child, especially after he finishes doing something, while motivating him with a gift or a prize is a good motivation to raise his morale and encourage him to do good and useful work. 8- Please provide guidance and advice indirectly to the orphan child in the event of a mistake. This has an impact and change on the soul and behavior. 9- Bringing joy and happiness to an orphan is one of the greatest acts of obedience that brings us closer to God Almighty, by participating with him in playing or recreational trips or listening to him and telling stories, or drawing and coloring………………and such activities. 10- Encouraging and praising the orphan child, especially after he finishes doing something, while motivating him with a gift or a prize is a good motivation to raise his morale and encourage him to do good and useful work. 11- Correct and proper education as approved by our religion, which gives the orphan a good upbringing by instilling in him sound doctrine, and the role of a good role model through stories of the Prophet’s biography. Sponsoring an orphan child has a significant and clear impact on society, which encourages:  Stabilizing society and increasing rates of economic, political and social development.  Sponsoring an orphan has a great reward from God, as all heavenly religions urge the necessity of caring for and taking care of the orphan and taking care of him with the necessary care.  Reducing the phenomenon of street children and its great danger in destroying society and obstructing its progress. We affirm that orphaned children have an inherent right over society with all its individuals and sects. It is not limited to charitable associations and institutions only, but every individual must strive to visit orphans throughout the year in order to ease their burden and bring joy and happiness to their hearts, especially since orphanages open their doors throughout the year and not just one day. And let us not forget what we mentioned above. Islamic law places orphans in a special position and status and always calls for taking care of them and fulfilling their needs and providing them with all forms of care, to relieve them and make them feel the love and tenderness that they lack, as they are an integral part of the fabric of society, and therefore we must make the orphan feel our presence not only in April but on all days of the year.