Sustaining an orphan

Fatwa no. 21400 All praise is due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Last of the Prophets. To proceed:The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' reviewed what was received by the Grand Mufty (Muslim scholar qualified to issue legal opinions) from the questioner: Muhammad Al-Mas Bashir Farhan, the supervisor of a branch of the Charity Association in Al-`Urayja, referred to the Committee from the Secretariat General of the Council of Senior Scholars, no. 1055, dated 18 Safar, 1412 A.H. The questioner asks:"I wish to inform you that Al-Bir Charitable Association in Riyadh has various activities: providing for orphans in different ways, one of which is that a subscriber pays a monthly amount and the orphan is taken care of by his mother. She is given this money: 200 riyals to spend on the orphan. Is this regarded as guardianship, and should we continue receiving and distributing it, taking into consideration that the orphans in this city live with their relatives: grandfather, uncle or the relatives of the husband or the wife? The one who cares for the orphan is given a monthly sum; is this regarded as guardianship for the sake of the charitable person that pays this money? Sometimes, the sum comes late, perhaps (Part No. 11; Page No. 146) after months, and he takes the sum all at once. Is this regarded as guardianship? Should we continue this method of guardianship? What is your advice for us?We appreciate your guidance, may Allah safeguard and guide you, bless your efforts and let you be beneficial to others."

After the Committee studied this Fatwa request, it answered as follows:Regarding the ways and methods of providing for and spending money on an orphan, I hope Allah (Exalted be He) will reward those who contribute to this project. I advise you to fear Allah (Exalted be He), to be keen on giving Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to those who deserve it and to continue this good work.May Allah grant you success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.