The Cherished Orphans: A Comprehensive Look at their Rights in Islam
Orphans, those who have lost one or both parents, hold a special place in Islam. The Quran and the hadiths ( sayings and teachings of Prophet Muhammad ) offer a wealth of guidance on caring for orphans and protecting their fundamental rights. This article delves into these rights, drawing upon specific references from Islamic scripture and scholarly interpretations. Financial Security and Inheritance ( Quran 4:2 , 4:6 , 4:8-9 ): Protection of Property ( Quran 4:2 ): The Quran explicitly forbids the exploitation of orphans’ wealth: “Do not consume the wealth of orphans unjustly, while you know (its nature).” ( Quran 4:2 ) This verse (Arabic: “Wa la ta’kulū amwāla al-yatāma bathiran wa antum ta’lamoon”) emphasizes the responsibility of guardians (Arabic: “al-awliyaa”) to manage orphans’ finances responsibly (Arabic: “akaluhu bathiran”). Tafsir Ibn Kathir , a renowned Quranic commentary , emphasizes the severity of this sin, ...