فَأَمَّا ٱلْيَتِيمَ فَلَا تَقْهَرْ 9
Translations
So as for the orphan, do not oppress [him].
Transliteration
Fa-amma al-yatīma fa-lā taqhar
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah commands Muslims not to oppress or treat the orphan harshly, emphasizing their vulnerable status and need for compassionate treatment. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi and Ibn Kathir interpret 'taqhar' (to oppress/overpower) as forbidding any form of cruelty, injustice, or exploitation of orphans, whether through words or actions. The prohibition is absolute and represents one of the fundamental ethical obligations in Islam, reflecting Allah's protective concern for the weak and defenseless.
Revelation Context
Surah Ad-Duhaa was revealed during a period when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) experienced a temporary cessation of Qur'anic revelation (fatrah), bringing him comfort and reassurance. This surah addresses fundamental social ethics and divine care, with the ayat about orphans, the poor, and guests forming the ethical core of the surah's message to establish a just, compassionate society.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet said: 'The best house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are well treated, and the worst house among the Muslims is the house in which orphans are badly treated' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Also relevant: 'I and the one who looks after an orphan will be like this in Paradise' - the Prophet joining his index and middle fingers together (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that protecting orphans and the vulnerable is a sacred trust and marker of true faith; believers must actively guard against exploitation of the defenseless through both our actions and our hearts, recognizing that how we treat those without protection reflects our relationship with Allah.