Others said: What is reasonable is for him to take from the entirety of the orphan’s property an amount commensurate with his service and the wages for his work, and he is not required to repay it. This was the view of Aishah and a group of scholars.

His saying, Exalted is He: “Then, when you deliver to them their property, bring witnesses against them.” This is a directive for guidance, not an obligation. The guardian is instructed to have witnesses present when handing the property over to the orphan after he has reached maturity, so that suspicion may be removed from him and disputes brought to an end. “And Allah is sufficient as a Reckoner”—that is, as One who calls to account, recompenses, and bears witness.