Q. In Islam, who is an orphan and until what age is one regarded to be an orphan?
A. A child (non-baaligh) whose father passes away is regarded to be an orphan until he/she reaches the age of maturity (Buloogh).
Sayyiduna Ali Radhiyallahu Anhu reports the he memorized from Rasulullah Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam, “There is no orphanhood after puberty…” (Abu Dawood)
If only a child’s mother passes away, the child will not be regarded to be an orphan. (Jaami-ul-Fataawa 1/361)
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa