For that reason the Prophet ﷺ said, “Whoever supports two girls until they reach maturity will come on the Day of Resurrection with me like these,” and he joined his index and middle fingers. The meaning is that whoever looks after two female dependents—be they daughters, sisters, or any other girls—will be the companion of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in Paradise, and the Prophet illustrated this closeness by bringing his two fingers together.

In most cases, “support” refers to providing for their bodily needs: clothing, food, drink, lodging, bedding, and the like. It also includes nourishing the soul—teaching, disciplining, guiding, enjoining good, and forbidding evil.

From this ḥadīth, and the one before it, we learn that a person ought to focus on deeds that draw him nearer to Allah, not merely on outward appearances or what yields benefit in this life alone. Worldly concerns may be observed, but attention to what benefits one in the Hereafter deserves even greater care.

His words “until they reach maturity” mean until they attain puberty, which is at fifteen lunar years, or sooner if one of the other signs of female puberty appears, such as menstruation, the growth of pubic hair, or experiencing a nocturnal emission.

9/268 – ʿĀʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: A woman came to me with her two daughters, begging. I found nothing with me except a single date, so I gave it to her. She divided it between her two daughters and did not eat any of it herself, then she stood up and left. Later the Prophet ﷺ entered, and I informed him of what had happened. He said, “Whoever is tested with any of these daughters and treats them well, they will be a shield for him against the Fire.” Agreed upon.