Page 20 - Justice and Compassion in the Qur'an

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JUSTICE AND COMPASSION IN THE QUR'AN

In Matters Related to Orphans,
Allah Commands Definite Justice

Another example given in the Qur'an regarding the
maintenance of justice relates to the management of the
property of orphans. In the Qur'an, Allah commands that the
property of orphans be managed in the most just manner until
they grow old enough to manage it themselves. In Sura
An'am, Allah commands:
And that you do not go near the property of orphans
before they reach maturity – except in a good way; that you
give full measure and full weight with justice... ( Surat al-
An‘am, 152)
In many other verses, Allah reminds people not to
dissipate the assets of orphans quickly before they reach
maturity, and to act in a just way. Some of these verses are as
follows:

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)
Keep a close check on orphans until they reach a
marriageable age, then if you perceive that they have
sound judgment hand over their property to them. Do not
consume it extravagantly and precipitately before they
come of age. Those who are wealthy should abstain from
it altogether. Those who are poor should use it sensibly
and correctly. When you hand over their property to them
ensure that there are witnesses on their behalf. Allah
suffices as a Reckoner. (Surah an-Nisa', 6)
Do not go near the property of orphans before they reach
maturity, except in a good way. Fulfil your contracts.