the breadwinner, for he is still a minor and unable to earn a livelihood.

Allah, exalted be He, has instructed kindness toward orphans in a number of verses and has assigned them a special right, for the orphan’s heart has been broken by the death of his father and thus he is especially deserving of sympathy and mercy. Allah the Exalted says, “And let those fear Allah who, if they were to leave behind them weak offspring, would worry about them. So let them be mindful of Allah and speak words that are just” (Al-Nisāʾ 9).

Daughters and women likewise merit affection, compassion, and mercy, for they are weak—weak in intellect, in resolve, indeed in every respect. Men are stronger than women in body, mind, thought, determination, and so forth. For this reason Allah says, “Men are protectors and maintainers of women by virtue of the favor Allah has granted some over others” (Al-Nisāʾ 34).

The same consideration applies to those whose hearts are broken—people struck by some calamity that has shattered not their bones but their spirits. A disaster may have swept away a man’s wealth, or his family may have died, or a close friend may have passed away, leaving his heart crushed. Such a person must be treated gently. This is why condoning condolences is prescribed for one who loses a loved one: he is to be comforted, shown kindness, and reminded that this is Allah’s decree, and that when Allah decides a matter He but says to it, “Be,” and it is.

Accordingly, one should lower his wing to such people and deal with them softly. Allah the Exalted says, “And lower your wing to the believers” (Al-Ḥijr 88). To lower one’s wing is to humble oneself before them and make things easy for them. He also says, “and lower your wing,” meaning that even if your soul becomes lofty and soars in the air as a bird flies, then bring your wing down— even if you possess