Is it a condition for sponsoring an orphan that the money be spent on the orphan personally if he is among a number of siblings, and is it permissible for the mother to spend the money on general household needs, and is that considered sponsoring an orphan?

The money designated for an orphan is his property, to be spent only on his welfare. No one is permitted to take anything from it except by a lawful right, for "Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire." The Prophet, peace be upon him, also considered consuming an orphan's wealth among the destructive sins.

If the orphan lives with his family, his money should be spent on his personal needs and on the needs he shares with his family. The mother may spend from his money to purchase shared provisions, or she may take from his siblings' money to that extent, as it is permissible for guardians to mix with orphans if they intend to do good, for Allah Almighty says: "And they ask you concerning orphans. Say, 'Improvement for them is best. And if you mix with them, then they are your brothers.'"

Thus, there is no harm in mixing the orphan's share with others in necessary household expenses, if that reassures their hearts and brings joy to them.

The mother may also consume from the orphans' money if she is in need, especially if she has dedicated herself to raising them and caring for them.