Wrongdoing Regarding Orphan’s Property: Those Who Will Be Punished with Fire

“Those who wrongdoingly consume the wealth of orphans, they surely fill their bellies with fire. And they will enter a blazing fire.” Nisâ sûresi (4), 10. 2. “Approach the orphan’s property in the most beautiful and beneficial way.” Enam sûresi (6), 152. 3. “They ask you about orphans. Say: It is better to nurture them well (than neglect). And if you are among them, do not forget that they are your brothers and sisters in religion. Allah knows the one who spoils and the one who corrects.” Bakara sûresi (2), 220. The three verses selected and included here regarding orphan’s property suffice to show how extremely forbidden this matter is. The first verse reveals that those who attempt to wrongdoingly consume an orphan’s wealth have, in fact, filled their bellies with fire, and that they will be burned by what they have consumed. It is also explicitly stated that they will be thrown into a blazing fire in the Hereafter. It is emphatically explained that the wrongfully consumed orphan’s property will scorch the digestive system from top to bottom. Given this reality, as stated in the second verse, there is no way other than to approach the orphan’s property in the most beautiful and beneficial manner, striving to develop it for the orphan’s benefit. In the third verse, it is explained that caring for and looking after orphans is far better than neglecting them, not taking them into consideration, or abandoning them. It is stated that this verse was revealed after Muslims who were even hesitant to be among those with orphans began to bring their situation to the Prophet (peace be upon him). The verse draws attention to the fact that orphans should be treated as brothers and sisters in religion, subject to complete fraternal treatment, and that Allah Almighty knows who deals with orphans with good intentions and who with bad intentions, thereby requiring everyone to act with a sense of full responsibility and concern. Whoever attempts to wrongdoingly consume or waste an orphan’s property is destroying themselves before the orphan does. This demonstrates how much prohibition regarding the consumption of orphan’s property involves a serious responsibility and danger. Being a guardian or trustee for an orphan almost means becoming a captive to them. It is necessary to strive to protect their wealth and property, not to spoil it but to improve it. Whatever the appearance may be, Allah knows who works for reform and who works for corruption. This undeniable truth must be taken into consideration, and one must not fall into the great error of consuming orphan’s property. Hadis 1618. It was narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: – “Avoid the seven destructive acts!” The companions asked: – O Messenger of Allah! What are they? The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: – “Associating partners with Allah, practicing magic (sorcery), unjustly killing a soul that Allah has forbidden, eating usury (interest), consuming orphan’s property, fleeing from the battlefield, and falsely accusing chaste, innocent women.”