ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL CHALLENGES IN ORPHAN CARE IN NIGERIA: AN ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Orphan care is a fundamental concern in Islamic teachings, where providing for orphans is regarded as an act of great virtue and a pathway to spiritual reward. The Qur'an and Hadith emphasize the protection, support, and integration of orphans into society. However, in Nigeria, the challenges surrounding orphan care are compounded by economic instability, social stigma, weak institutional support, and inadequate legal frameworks. The growing number of orphans due to poverty, armed conflicts, and health crises further exacerbates the issue. This paper explores these challenges from an Islamic perspective, focusing on financial mechanisms such as zakat, sadaqah, and waqf in orphan welfare. It also examines critical social issues including stigma, psychological well-being, barriers to education, employment difficulties, and legal constraints that affect orphans' integration into society. Using Qur’anic injunctions, Prophetic traditions (ahadith), and case studies from Nigeria, the study evaluates the role of Islamic charitable organizations, government policies, and community-based initiatives in addressing these challenges. Furthermore, it proposes sustainable Islamic and policy-driven solutions to improve orphan care in the country, emphasizing the need for stronger legal protections, transparent zakat distribution systems, and enhanced social support networks to ensure the holistic development of orphans in Nigeria.