"And do not go near the property of an orphan except in a manner that is good, until he comes to his maturity. And fulfil the covenant. Surely the covenant shall be asked about. And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a straight balance. That is good, and better in the end." (Surah Bani Isra'il:34-35)
The first verse is about the protection of financial assets of orphans and it has been advised not to do anything that would violate their interests. Those who have the responsibility for looking after financial assets of orphans should exercise utmost caution. They should only spend in a way that would be beneficial to the orphans, and definitely not spend based on their whim and without concern. And this should continue until the orphans have become old enough to take over management of their own financial assets.
It is not permissible to spend anyone's financial assets unduly. In this verse the rights of orphans have been asserted specifically because orphans are unable to demand accountability for their own accounts, and no one else can know about it. In situations where a person is unable to protect his or her own rights the demand from Allah Ta'alah for accountability becomes that much stronger. And neglecting such people's rights incurs a much greater sin than usurping those people's rights who are able to protect their own rights.
To be continued...
Abstract from Ma'ariful Quran, by Mufti Muhammad Shafi RE
No comments:
Post a Comment