وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا۟ مَالَ ٱلْيَتِيمِ إِلَّا بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ حَتَّىٰ يَبْلُغَ أَشُدَّهُۥ ۖ وَأَوْفُوا۟ ٱلْكَيْلَ وَٱلْمِيزَانَ بِٱلْقِسْطِ ۖ لَا نُكَلِّفُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۖ وَإِذَا قُلْتُمْ فَٱعْدِلُوا۟ وَلَوْ كَانَ ذَا قُرْبَىٰ ۖ وَبِعَهْدِ ٱللَّهِ أَوْفُوا۟ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّىٰكُم بِهِۦ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَذَكَّرُونَ 152
Translations
And do not approach the orphan's property except in a way that is best [i.e., intending improvement] until he reaches maturity. And give full measure and weight in justice. We do not charge any soul except [with that within] its capacity. And when you speak [i.e., testify], be just, even if [it concerns] a near relative. And the covenant of Allāh fulfill. This has He instructed you that you may remember.
Transliteration
Wa lā taqrabū māla al-yatīmi illā bi-allatī hiya aḥsan ḥattā yablugha ashuddahu wa-awfū al-kayla wa-al-mīzāna bi-al-qisṭ lā nukallifu nafsan illā wus'ahā wa-idhā qultum fa-a'dilū wa-law kāna dhā qurbā wa-bi-ahdi Allāhi awfū dhālikum waṣṣākum bihi la'allakum tadhakkarūn
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah comprises comprehensive moral and ethical directives: first, guardians are forbidden from approaching an orphan's wealth except with the best intentions and must preserve it until the orphan reaches maturity; second, all transactions must be conducted with perfect justice in measurement and weighing; and third, all oaths and covenants with Allah must be fulfilled. According to Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, these commands address both social responsibility toward the vulnerable and commercial integrity, with the phrase 'only by that which is better' implying that any interaction with orphan property must be for their benefit alone, not the guardian's personal gain.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah Al-An'am, a Meccan chapter that emphasizes monotheism and moral principles. While revealed in Mecca, it addresses universal ethical principles that would remain fundamental throughout Islamic law. The cluster of commands reflects the Qur'an's consistent concern with protecting vulnerable members of society and establishing just commercial practices among believers.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (5351): The Prophet Muhammad (ṣallallāhu ʿalayhi wa-sallam) warned that 'whoever takes an orphan's property unjustly, Allah will burn his belly with fire on the Day of Judgment.' Sunan An-Nasa'i (3505) reports similar warnings about the gravity of misappropriating orphan wealth.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that true faith is demonstrated through concrete actions of justice and compassion, particularly toward society's most vulnerable members, and reminds believers that Allah holds us accountable only to our capabilities while expecting complete honesty in all dealings and unwavering commitment to our covenants with Him.