وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ مَالَ ٱلْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَوْفُوا۟ بِٱلْعَهْدِ ۖ إِنَّ ٱلْعَهْدَ كَانَ مَسْـُٔولًا 34
Translations
And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.
Transliteration
Wa lā taqrabū māla al-yatīmi illā bi-al-latī hiya ahsan hattā yablugha ashuddahu wa awfū bi-al-ahdi inn al-ahda kāna masūlā
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes two critical commandments: the protection of orphans' wealth and the fulfillment of covenants. Muslims are forbidden from approaching or misusing an orphan's property except in the best manner until they reach maturity (physical and intellectual development). Al-Qurtubi emphasizes that guardians must manage orphan wealth with utmost care and transparency, while Ibn Kathir notes the connection between protecting the vulnerable and honoring commitments, as both reflect obedience to Allah's covenant with humanity.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-Isra, a Meccan surah that contains fundamental moral and legal principles. It addresses social justice concerns prevalent in pre-Islamic Arabia, where orphans were often exploited and their wealth misappropriated. The placement alongside the commandment about covenants reflects the Quranic emphasis on maintaining trust in all human relationships, particularly with the most vulnerable members of society.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best house among the Muslims is the house where an orphan is treated well, and the worst house among the Muslims is the house where an orphan is treated badly' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, 'I and the one who looks after an orphan will be in Paradise like this' - while joining his index and middle fingers (Sahih Bukhari).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that Islamic ethics demand the highest standards of care for those unable to protect themselves, and that all commitments—whether to orphans, contracts, or divine promises—are serious obligations for which we will answer to Allah on the Day of Judgment. In modern contexts, it calls believers to examine how they handle wealth entrusted to them and to honor their word in all dealings.
Related Ayahs
وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا۟ ٱلنَّفْسَ ٱلَّتِى حَرَّمَ ٱللَّهُ إِلَّا بِٱلْحَقِّ ۗ وَمَن قُتِلَ مَظْلُومًا فَقَدْ جَعَلْنَا لِوَلِيِّهِۦ سُلْطَـٰنًا فَلَا يُسْرِف فِّى ٱلْقَتْلِ ۖ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ مَنصُورًا
And do not kill the soul [i.e., person] which Allāh has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly - We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in [the matter of] taking life. Indeed, he has been supported [by the law].
وَيَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ يَبْكُونَ وَيَزِيدُهُمْ خُشُوعًا ۩
And they fall upon their faces weeping, and it [i.e., the Qur’ān] increases them in humble submission.
قُل لَّوْ كَانَ مَعَهُۥٓ ءَالِهَةٌ كَمَا يَقُولُونَ إِذًا لَّٱبْتَغَوْا۟ إِلَىٰ ذِى ٱلْعَرْشِ سَبِيلًا
Say, [O Muḥammad], "If there had been with Him [other] gods, as they say, then they [each] would have sought to the Owner of the Throne a way."
يَوْمَ يَدْعُوكُمْ فَتَسْتَجِيبُونَ بِحَمْدِهِۦ وَتَظُنُّونَ إِن لَّبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًا
On the Day He will call you and you will respond with praise of Him and think that you had not remained [in the world] except for a little."