Being an orphan or a widow is a severe trial and affliction. This is why he, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, urged people to care for them in order to ease the affliction and reduce its resulting grief.
Sahl ibn Sa`d (a Companion) reported that the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said
“I and the one who sponsors an orphan will be like this in Paradise.” Then he pointed with his index and middle fingers (made them right next to each other indicating how close a person would be to the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, in Paradise as a result of sponsoring them).
Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet of Allah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said
“Someone who cares for widows and orphans is like a Mujaahid in Allah’s Path [one fighting in the Path of Allah].” and said: ‘Like someone who stands in prayer and never gets tired or ceases; like someone who fasts and never breaks their fast.’”