(8) “When relatives, orphans, and the needy are present at the division, give them something from the estate and speak kindly to them.”

This is one of Allah’s gracious and sublime rulings that bring solace to people’s hearts. He said, “When they are present at the division”—that is, the division of the estate—“relatives,” meaning relatives who are not heirs, as indicated by the word “division,” since the heirs are those among whom it is divided; “orphans, and the needy,” meaning those among the poor who are deserving; “give them something from the estate,” meaning: give them whatever you can from this wealth that has come to you without toil or labor, hardship or weariness. Their souls yearn for it and their hearts long for it, so comfort them with something that does not harm you but benefits them.

It may also be inferred from this that whenever someone yearns for and looks forward to something placed before a person, he should be given whatever of it can readily be spared. The Prophet—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—used to say, “When one of you has his servant bring him his food, let him seat the servant with him. If he does not seat him with him, let him give him a morsel or two”—or words to that effect.

Whenever the first fruits appeared on the Companions’ trees—may Allah be pleased with them—they would bring them to the Messenger of Allah—may Allah’s blessings and peace be upon him—and he would invoke Allah’s blessing upon them. He would then look for the youngest child present and give the fruit to him, knowing how intensely the child longed for it. All of this applies when giving is possible. If it is not possible—because the property belongs to those lacking sound judgment, or because some more important consideration takes precedence—then they should speak to them “kindly,” turning them away (1) graciously with words that are neither harsh nor offensive.