Sometimes there is confusion between the term orphan (yateem in Arabic) and foster child. The Muslim community in general easily relates to the needs of orphans overseas – children who no longer have the support of their biological parents due to war, poverty, abandonment or other reasons. Donations are often directed to the running of orphanages, schools, food programs in villages and so on. In the West, the notion of “orphans” has fallen to disuse. Greater affluency has given rise to foster caregiving as a better alternative to the older notion of orphanages, recognizing that children thrive best when living in a family setting rather than in group settings with minimal parental support.
It is vital therefore, that as Muslims, we come to accept that foster care is the contemporary equivalent to taking care of orphans as the Quran commands: “…and concerning the oppressed among children and that you maintain for orphans [their rights] in justice.” And whatever you do of good – indeed, Allah is ever Knowing of it.” (4:127)
To learn more about foster caregiving, send the FosterLink team a message and we’ll reach out to you for a conversation.