Page 33 - The Mercy of Believers

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TO WHOM DO BELIEVERS SHOW COMPASSION AND MERCY?

sume the responsibility for an orphan do not spend that
orphan's personal wealth for their own needs or expect
anything in return. On the contrary, giving them priority
over all others, they protect the rights and wealth of such
orphans as are entrusted to them by Allah.
Being meticulous about protecting the wealth of an
orphan entrusted to one's care is something peculiar to
those who are sincere in their faith, who have a high stan-
dard of morality and who grasp the understanding of
mercy described in the Qur'an, especially since a
guardian is granted the authority to spend the wealth of
an orphan. Not spending a penny for one's own personal
needs out of a property entrusted to one—despite having
the authority to spend from it is truly a matter of con-
science. In the Qur'an, Allah advises the wealthy
guardian to behave decently in this matter. If the
guardian in question is poor, then he is allowed to spend
within the due limits specified in the Qur'an. Believers
who fear Allah and who are aware of the Day of
Judgement behave in a manner in His eyes, most in keep-
ing with the dictates of the conscience, and in observance
of the Prophet's warning "Whoever is not merciful towards
people, will not be treated mercifully by Allah." (Ahmad). That
is because, Allah warns that, "devouring" the wealth of
the orphan is a grave sin.

Give orphans their property, and do not substitute
bad things for good. Do not assimilate their property
into your own. Doing that is a serious crime. (Surat
an-Nisa': 2)
Fearing Allah and His grievous punishment in the