Christianity
Islam
Judaism
Hinduism
Buddhism
Orphans & the Vulnerable
Care for orphans and the most vulnerable members of society is a test of true religion in every tradition. The Hebrew prophets, the Quran, Jesus, and Buddhist teachings all measure a society's righteousness by how it treats those who cannot protect themselves.
Across the World's Religions
Christianity
- Practice
- Pure religion — visiting orphans and widows
- Key Text
- James 1:27; Psalm 68:5; Deuteronomy 10:18
Islam
- Practice
- Yatim (orphan) care — among the most emphasized duties
- Key Text
- Quran 93:9, 4:2-10, 107:1-3
Judaism
- Practice
- Protection of orphans and widows — divine mandate
- Key Text
- Exodus 22:22-24; Deuteronomy 24:17; Psalm 10:14
Hinduism
- Practice
- Dana (charity) and protection of the helpless as dharma
- Key Text
- Bhagavad Gita 16:1-3; Mahabharata 3.197
Buddhism
- Practice
- Compassion for the defenseless; sangha as surrogate family
- Key Text
- Dhammapada 142; Sigalovada Sutta (DN 31)