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
قُلْ ءَامِنُوا۟ بِهِۦٓ أَوْ لَا تُؤْمِنُوٓا۟ ۚ إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْعِلْمَ مِن قَبْلِهِۦٓ إِذَا يُتْلَىٰ عَلَيْهِمْ يَخِرُّونَ لِلْأَذْقَانِ سُجَّدًا
Say, "Believe in it or do not believe." Indeed, those who were given knowledge before it - when it is recited to them, they fall upon their faces in prostration,
سُنَّةَ مَن قَدْ أَرْسَلْنَا قَبْلَكَ مِن رُّسُلِنَا ۖ وَلَا تَجِدُ لِسُنَّتِنَا تَحْوِيلًا
[That is Our] established way for those We had sent before you of Our messengers; and you will not find in Our way any alteration.
وَلَا تَجْعَلْ يَدَكَ مَغْلُولَةً إِلَىٰ عُنُقِكَ وَلَا تَبْسُطْهَا كُلَّ ٱلْبَسْطِ فَتَقْعُدَ مَلُومًا مَّحْسُورًا
And do not make your hand [as] chained to your neck or extend it completely and [thereby] become blamed and insolvent.
تُسَبِّحُ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ ٱلسَّبْعُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ وَمَن فِيهِنَّ ۚ وَإِن مِّن شَىْءٍ إِلَّا يُسَبِّحُ بِحَمْدِهِۦ وَلَـٰكِن لَّا تَفْقَهُونَ تَسْبِيحَهُمْ ۗ إِنَّهُۥ كَانَ حَلِيمًا غَفُورًا
The seven heavens and the earth and whatever is in them exalt Him. And there is not a thing except that it exalts [Allāh] by His praise, but you do not understand their [way of] exalting. Indeed, He is ever Forbearing and Forgiving.