“If you perceive in them sound judgment, then hand over to them their property” (Quran 4:6). Sound judgment (rushd) is the ability to manage wealth properly, whereas folly (safah) is to squander and waste it. Allah the Exalted also says: “Do not entrust to the feeble-minded your property which Allah has made a means of support for you; but provide for them from it and clothe them” (Quran 4:5).

7 – A minor is governed by rulings set out in the legal manuals under the chapter of interdiction (ḥajr): his wealth must be safeguarded, improved, and invested; his guardian may act on his behalf only in the manner that is most advantageous. All these rulings go back to caring for the orphan and his property.

Allah the Exalted says: “They ask you about the orphans. Say, ‘Doing what is best for them is most virtuous’” (Quran 2:220).

And He says: “Do not consume their wealth together with your own; that is indeed a grievous sin” (Quran 4).

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best house among the Muslims is a house in which an orphan is treated kindly, and the worst house among the Muslims is a house in which an orphan is treated badly.”

The verses and hadiths on this subject are numerous and emphatic, for Allah—sublime is His power, exalted His wisdom—knows how tight-fisted people can be over money, and He knows the weakness and helplessness of the orphan. Therefore He took special care of the orphan and sternly warned against touching his property except in the fairest manner: “Indeed, those who consume the property of orphans unjustly are only swallowing fire into their bellies, and they will enter a blazing Flame” (Quran 4:10).