- Interdiction enacted for the person’s own welfare: this covers the minor, the insane, and the prodigal. Its scriptural basis is the Almighty’s words, “Do not entrust your wealth to those who are feeble-minded” (Q 4:5). Here the author merely hints at the rulings that govern both categories.
Wisdom of the ruling
Legal interdiction ranks among the fine features of Islam and the fairness of its legislation. When someone who once lived in comfort becomes bankrupt, his affairs grow confused and he may behave with bias and injustice: he might pay some creditors while leaving others empty-handed; stronger creditors could seize the available assets and monopolize them, abandoning the weaker ones; he may conceal all or part of his property; and he may engage in other dealings that harm some or all of his creditors. Out of His kindness toward His creation and toward those with rightful claims, Allah prescribed interdiction, barring the bankrupt from disposing of the assets still in his possession and rendering any such disposal invalid, so that rights are safeguarded and the remaining assets are distributed equitably among the creditors in proportion to their claims.
As for the bankrupt himself, his liability is cleared of favoritism and undue preference; all his creditors are satisfied; further demands against him cease; and he is spared the creditors’ constant pursuit. Allah is All-Wise, All-Knowing.