Is it permissible for a childless couple to sponsor an orphan in their home, and what is the ruling on being in seclusion with him, taking into consideration that the husband is 47 years old and the wife is 42 years old?

Sponsoring an orphan, whether male or female, carries a great reward, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "I and the guardian of the orphan will be in Paradise like this," and he gestured with his index and middle fingers, slightly separating them.

If the orphan is male, the wife must treat him as a stranger when he approaches puberty. She must wear the hijab in his presence, and private seclusion with him and touching him are forbidden, unless she or one of her mahrams breastfed him five times before he reached two years of age.

If the orphan is female, the guardian must treat her as a stranger when she reaches adolescence. Private seclusion with her is forbidden, and he must wear the hijab in her presence, unless his mother or sister breastfed her five satiating feedings before she reached two years of age.