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Orphans' Rights

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Orphans' Rights

حُقُوقُ الْيَتَامَىٰ

Islam places immense importance on the compassionate care and protection of orphans, viewing their well-being as a cornerstone of a just and ethical society. The Quran frequently highlights their special status, urging believers to extend kindness and support, reminding us that [whatever you spend of good is for parents and relatives and orphans]. This isn't merely an act of charity, but a deeply embedded social responsibility to those who have lost a primary provider and protector. A core aspect of orphans' rights in Islam revolves around safeguarding their property and dignity. The Quran issues severe warnings against exploitation, stating clearly: [give to the orphans their properties and do not substitute the defective for the good and do not consume their properties into your own. Indeed, that is ever a great sin]. Guardians are entrusted with a sacred duty, expected to manage their assets wisely and [not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity]. Once orphans demonstrate [sound judgment, release their property to them], ensuring their autonomy. This holistic approach underscores Islam's profound commitment to protecting the most vulnerable, reflecting mercy and justice in every aspect of community life.

Quran 9 verses

يَسْـَٔلُونَكَ مَاذَا يُنفِقُونَ قُلْ مَآ أَنفَقْتُم مِّنْ خَيْرٍ فَلِلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ وَٱلْأَقْرَبِينَ وَٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَٰكِينِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا تَفْعَلُوا۟ مِنْ خَيْرٍ فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِهِۦ عَلِيمٌ

Yas'aloonaka maazaa yunfiqoona qul maaa anfaqtum min khairin falil waalidaini wal aqrabeena walyataamaa wal masaakeeni wabnis sabeel; wa maa taf'aloo min khairin fa innal laaha bihee 'Aleem

They ask you, [O Muhammad], what they should spend. Say, "Whatever you spend of good is [to be] for parents and relatives and orphans and the needy and the traveler. And whatever you do of good - indeed, Allah is Knowing of it."

(اے محمدﷺ) لوگ تم سے پوچھتے ہیں کہ (خدا کی راہ میں) کس طرح کا مال خرچ کریں۔ کہہ دو کہ (جو چاہو خرچ کرو لیکن) جو مال خرچ کرنا چاہو وہ (درجہ بدرجہ اہل استحقاق یعنی) ماں باپ اور قریب کے رشتے داروں کو اور یتیموں کو اور محتاجوں کو اور مسافروں کو (سب کو دو) اور جو بھلائی تم کرو گے خدا اس کو جانتا ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary Imperatives such as - 'leave disbelief and hypocrisy and enter Islam completely', 'listen to none when it comes to obeying the command of Allah', 'spend your wealth and give your life to seek the pleasure of Allah' and 'show fortitude against all sorts of hardships and sufferings' - have ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: They will ask you O Muhammad (s) about what they should expend. This was the question posed by ‘Amr b. al-Jamūh. He was a wealthy elderly man and went to ask the Prophet s what and for whom he should expend; Say to them ‘Whatever you expend of good min khayrin ‘of good’ is an explication of mā ‘what...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Who deserves the Nafaqah (Spending or Charity) Muqatil bin Hayyan said that this Ayah was revealed about the voluntary charity. The Ayah means, `They ask you (O Muhammad ) how they should spend,' as Ibn `Abbas and Mujahid have stated. So, Allah explained it for them, saying: قُلْ مَآ أَنفَقْتُم مِّن...

فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلْـَٔاخِرَةِ وَيَسْـَٔلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ قُلْ إِصْلَاحٌ لَّهُمْ خَيْرٌ وَإِن تُخَالِطُوهُمْ فَإِخْوَٰنُكُمْ وَٱللَّهُ يَعْلَمُ ٱلْمُفْسِدَ مِنَ ٱلْمُصْلِحِ وَلَوْ شَآءَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَعْنَتَكُمْ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِيزٌ حَكِيمٌ

Fid dunyaa wal aakhirah; wa yas'aloonaka 'anil yataamaa qul islaahullahum khayr, wa in tukhaalitoohum fa ikhwaanukum; wallaahu ya'lamul mufsida minalmuslih; wa law shaaa'al laahu la-a'natakum; innal laaha 'Azeezun Hakeem

To this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say, "Improvement for them is best. And if you mix your affairs with theirs - they are your brothers. And Allah knows the corrupter from the amender. And if Allah had willed, He could have put you in difficulty. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise.

(یعنی) دنیا اور آخرت (کی باتوں) میں (غور کرو) ۔ اور تم سے یتیموں کے بارے میں دریافت کرتے ہیں کہہ دو کہ ان کی (حالت کی) اصلاح بہت اچھا کام ہے۔ اور اگر تم ان سے مل جل کر رہنا (یعنی خرچ اکھٹا رکھنا) چاہو تو وہ تمہارے بھائی ہیں اور خدا خوب جانتا ہے کہ خرابی کرنے والا کون ہے اور اصلاح کرنے والا کون۔ اور اگر خدا چاہتا تو تم کو تکلیف میں ڈال دیتا۔بےشک خدا غالب (اور) حکمت والا ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Verse 220 features yet another question in a series of several posed by the noble Companions. This question relates to the combining of the cost of maintenance of orphans. Since there was general lack of carefulness about the rights of orphans in pagan Arabia, as elsewhere, warning was given that co...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: on the matters of this world and the Hereafter and follow what is best for you in both. They will ask you about orphans and the distress their affair caused them for if they became intimate with them they may slip into error but if they put aside the money due to them and prepare their meals for the...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Gradual Prohibition of Khamr (Alchoholic Drink) Imam Ahmad recorded that Abu Maysarah said that `Umar once said, "O Allah! Give us a clear ruling regarding Al-Khamr!" Allah sent down the Ayah of Surat Al-Baqarah: يَسْـَلُونَكَ عَنِ الْخَمْرِ وَالْمَيْسِرِ قُلْ فِيهِمَآ إِثْمٌ كَبِيرٌ (They ask y...

وَءَاتُوا۟ ٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰٓ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ وَلَا تَتَبَدَّلُوا۟ ٱلْخَبِيثَ بِٱلطَّيِّبِ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوٓا۟ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ إِلَىٰٓ أَمْوَٰلِكُمْ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حُوبًا كَبِيرًا

Wa aatul yataamaaa amwaalahum wa laa tatabad dalul khabeesa bittaiyibi wa laa taakulooo amwaalahum ilaaa amwaalikum; innahoo kaana hooban kabeeraa

And give to the orphans their properties and do not substitute the defective [of your own] for the good [of theirs]. And do not consume their properties into your own. Indeed, that is ever a great sin.

اور یتیموں کا مال (جو تمہاری تحویل میں ہو) ان کے حوالے کردو اور ان کے پاکیزہ (اور عمدہ) مال کو (اپنے ناقص اور) برے مال سے نہ بدلو۔ اور نہ ان کا مال اپنے مال میں ملا کر کھاؤ۔ کہ یہ بڑا سخت گناہ ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: The Rights of the Orphans and the Protection of Their Property: The first verse stressed upon the care and concern for kinship in an absolute sense. Then came the general emphasis on the fulfillment of rights that issue forth from it. Now, the second verse carries the command to protect the properti...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: The following was revealed regarding an orphan who demanded his property from his guardian but was refused it Give the orphans the under-age ones that have no father their property when they have reached maturity and do not exchange the evil the unlawful for the good the lawful that is taking the on...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Protecting the Property of the Orphans Allah commands that the property of the orphans be surrendered to them in full when they reach the age of adolescence, and He forbids using or confiscating any part of it. So He said; وَلاَ تَتَبَدَّلُواْ الْخَبِيثَ بِالطَّيِّبِ (and do not exchange (your) bad ...

وَٱبْتَلُوا۟ ٱلْيَتَٰمَىٰ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغُوا۟ ٱلنِّكَاحَ فَإِنْ ءَانَسْتُم مِّنْهُمْ رُشْدًا فَٱدْفَعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوهَآ إِسْرَافًا وَبِدَارًا أَن يَكْبَرُوا۟ وَمَن كَانَ غَنِيًّا فَلْيَسْتَعْفِفْ وَمَن كَانَ فَقِيرًا فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ فَإِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فَأَشْهِدُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبًا

Wabtalul yataamaa hattaaa izaa balaghun nikaaha fa in aanastum minhum rushdan fad fa'ooo ilaihim amwaalahum wa laa taa kuloohaaa israafanw wa bidaaran ai yakbaroo; wa mai kaana ghaniyyan falyasta' fif wa mai kaana faqeeran falyaakul bilma'roof; fa izaa dafa'tum ilaihim amwaalahum fa'ashhidoo 'alaihim; wa kafaa billaahi Haseeba

And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgement, release their property to them. And do not consume it excessively and quickly, [anticipating] that they will grow up. And whoever, [when acting as guardian], is self-sufficient should refrain [from taking a fee]; and whoever is poor - let him take according to what is acceptable. Then when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allah as Accountant.

اور یتمیوں کو بالغ ہونے تک کام کاج میں مصروف رکھو پھر (بالغ ہونے پر) اگر ان میں عقل کی پختگی دیکھو تو ان کا مال ان کے حوالے کردو اور اس خوف سے کہ وہ بڑے ہوجائیں گے (یعنی بڑے ہو کر تم سے اپنا مال واپس لے لیں گے) اس کو فضول خرچی اور جلدی میں نہ اڑا دینا۔ جو شخص آسودہ حال ہو اس کو (ایسے مال سے قطعی طور پر) پرہیز رکھنا چاہیئے اور جو بے مقدور ہو وہ مناسب طور پر (یعنی بقدر خدمت) کچھ لے لے اور جب ان کا مال ان کے حوالے کرنے لگو تو گواہ کرلیا کرو۔ اور حقیقت میں تو خدا ہی (گواہ اور) حساب لینے والا کافی ہے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: The injunction to test the ability and understanding of minors Once we know from verse 5 that minors should not be entrusted with properties until such time that their ability to discern and decide stands proved, the injunctions to educate and test such children to determine their ability follow in ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: Try test well the orphans before reaching maturity with regard the duties of religion and before they can legally manage their own affairs until they reach the age of marrying that is until they have become eligible for it through puberty or legal age which according to al-Shāfi‘ī is the completion ...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Holding the Property of the Unwise in Escrow Allah prohibited giving the unwise the freedom to do as they wish with wealth, which Allah has made as a means of support for people. This ruling sometimes applies because of being young, as young people are incapable of making wise decisions. It also app...

وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ مَالَ ٱلْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُۥ وَأَوْفُوا۟ ٱلْكَيْلَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَٱعْدِلُوا۟ وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ وَبِعَهْدِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْفُوا۟ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّىٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ

Wa laa taqraboo maalal yateemi illaa billatee hiyaa ahsanu hattaa yablugha ashuddahoo wa awful kaila walmeezaana bilqisti laa nukallifu nafsan illaa wus'ahaa wa izaa qultum fa'diloo wa law kaana zaa qurbaa wa bi 'ahdil laahi awfoo; zaalikum wassaakum bihee la'allakum tazakkarron

And do not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you testify, be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And the covenant of Allah fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember.

اور یتیم کے مال کے پاس بھی نہ جانا مگر ایسے طریق سے کہ بہت ہی پسندیدہ ہو یہاں تک کہ وہ جوانی کو پہنچ جائے اور ناپ تول انصاف کے ساتھ پوری پوری کیا کرو ہم کسی کو تکلیف نہیں دیتے مگر اس کی طاقت کے مطابق اور جب (کسی کی نسبت) کوئی بات کہو تو انصاف سے کہو گو وہ (تمہارا) رشتہ دار ہی ہو اور خدا کے عہد کو پورا کرو ان باتوں کا خدا تمہیں حکم دیتا ہے تاکہ تم نصحیت کرو

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary Prior to the verses appearing above, for about two to three sections, the recurring theme has been how heedless and ignorant human beings had bypassed the law revealed by the Law Giver and the Creator of whatever there is in the heavens and the earth and, in its place, had taken ancestral...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And that you do not approach the property of the orphan save with that approach which is fairer namely the one wherein lie his best interests until he is of age when he is sexually mature. And give full measure and full weight in justice fairly desisting from any fraud. We do not charge any soul bey...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Prohibition of Consuming the Orphan's Property `Ata' bin As-Sa'ib said that Sa`id bin Jubayr said that Ibn `Abbas said, "When Allah revealed, وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلاَّ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ (And come not near to the orphan's property, except to improve it.) and, إِنَّ الَّذِينَ...

وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ مَالَ ٱلْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُۥ وَأَوْفُوا۟ بِٱلْعَهْدِ إِنَّ ٱلْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْـُٔولًا

Wa laa taqraboo maalal yateemi illaa billatee hiya ahsanu hattaa yablugha ashuddah; wa awfoo bil'ahd, innal 'ahda kaana mas'oolaa

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

اور یتیم کے مال کے پاس بھی نہ پھٹکنا مگر ایسے طریق سے کہ بہت بہتر ہو یہاں تک کہ ہو جوانی کو پہنچ جائے۔ اور عہد کو پورا کرو کہ عہد کے بارے میں ضرور پرسش ہوگی

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Commentary Mentioned in the two verses cited above, there are three injunctions: the ninth, the tenth and the eleventh. They relate to financial rights. It will be recalled that previous verses dealt with physical rights while the financial ones appear here. Caution in handling the property of orpha...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: And do not come anywhere near an orphan’s property except in the fairest manner until he comes of age. And fulfil the covenant should you make a covenant with God or with people in general. Indeed the covenant will be enquired into.
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Command to handle the Orphan's Wealth properly and to be Honest in Weights and Measures وَلاَ تَقْرَبُواْ مَالَ الْيَتِيمِ إِلاَّ بِالَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّى يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُ (And come not near to the orphan's property except to improve it, until he attains the age of full strength.) meanin...

كَلَّا بَل لَّا تُكْرِمُونَ ٱلْيَتِيمَ

Kalla bal laa tukrimooo nal yateem

No! But you do not honor the orphan

نہیں بلکہ تم لوگ یتیم کی خاطر نہیں کرتے

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Spending on the Orphan is not Sufficient. Their respect is also necessary لَّا تُكْرِمُونَ الْيَتِيم (No! But you do not honour the orphan....89:17). The unbelievers are warned, in these verses, against some of their evil character traits. First, as is mentioned in this verse, they do not honour and...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: No indeed! — a disavowal of this notion in other words honour is not about wealth nor is there any humiliation in poverty rather it has to do with obedience and disobedience respectively; but the disbelievers of Mecca unmindful of this. Rather they do not honour the orphan they do not treat him with...
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Wealth and Poverty are both a Test and Honor or Disgrace for the Servant Allah refutes man in his belief that if Allah gives Him abundant provisions to test him with it, it is out of His honor for him. But this is not the case, rather it is a trial and a test, as Allah says, أَيَحْسَبُونَ أَنَّمَا ن...

يَتِيمًا ذَا مَقْرَبَةٍ

Yateeman zaa maqrabah

An orphan of near relationship

یتیم رشتہ دار کو

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: فَلَا اقْتَحَمَ الْعَقَبَةَ ﴿11﴾ وَمَا أَدْرَ‌اكَ مَا الْعَقَبَةُ ﴿12﴾ (Yet he did not make his way through the steep course. And what may let you know what the steep course is? ...90:11-12] ' The word 'aqabah means 'hill, high place or a steep road'. It also refers to a 'low area of land between tw...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: to an orphan near of kin maqraba means qarāba
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): The Encouragement to traverse upon the Path of Goodness Ibn Zayd said, فَلاَ اقتَحَمَ الْعَقَبَةَ (But he has not attempted to pass on the path that is steep.) "This means, will he not traverse upon the path which contains salvation and good Then He explains this path by his saying, وَمَآ أَدْرَاكَ ...

فَأَمَّا ٱلْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ

Fa am mal yateema fala taqhar

So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].

تو تم بھی یتیم پر ستم نہ کرنا

Commentary

Ma'arif-ul-Quran: Injunction [ 1] فَأَمَّا الْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ‌ (Therefore, as for orphan, do not oppress him,...93:9). The word qahr means 'to treat people who are less powerful in an unfair and cruel way'. In the present context, the verse means: 'Since you were a poor orphan, and Allah sheltered you, do not ...
Tafsir al-Jalalayn: So as for the orphan do not oppress him by appropriating his wealth or otherwise
Tafsir Ibn Kathir (English): Which was revealed in Makkah بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الرَّحْمَـنِ الرَّحِيمِ (In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. The Reason for the Revelation of Surat Ad-Duha Imam Ahmad recorded from Jundub that he said, "The Prophet became ill, so he did not stand for prayer for a night or two. Th...

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