إِنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ يَأْكُلُونَ أَمْوَٰلَ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ ظُلْمًا إِنَّمَا يَأْكُلُونَ فِى بُطُونِهِمْ نَارًا ۖ وَسَيَصْلَوْنَ سَعِيرًا 10
Translations
Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze [i.e., Hellfire].
Transliteration
Inna alladhina ya'kuluna amwala al-yatama zulman innama ya'kuluna fi butunihim nara wa-sayislawna saira
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah severely condemns those who consume the wealth of orphans unjustly, declaring that they are essentially consuming fire into their bellies and will face the blazing punishment of Hell. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi emphasize that this represents one of the gravest sins in Islam, as it combines both oppression (zulm) and exploitation of the vulnerable. The metaphor of 'eating fire' indicates the spiritual corruption and divine punishment that inevitably follows such transgression.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa, which addresses women's rights and social justice in the Islamic community. It was revealed in Medina during a period when the Muslim society needed guidance on protecting vulnerable groups, particularly orphans whose guardians were often tempted to misuse their wealth. The context follows regulations about orphans' wealth and reflects the Qur'an's emphasis on ethical treatment of dependents.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'The best house among the Muslims is a house where orphans are treated well, and the worst house is one where orphans are treated badly' (Sunan Ibn Majah). Additionally, the Prophet warned, 'Avoid the seven destructive sins,' listing the consumption of orphans' wealth as one of them (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches Muslims that financial wrongdoing, especially against those who cannot defend themselves, incurs severe divine punishment and corrupts the soul. It serves as a powerful reminder that true wealth lies in ethical conduct, and that exploiting the weak—whether orphans, minors, or the vulnerable—carries grave spiritual and moral consequences in both this life and the Hereafter.
Related Ayahs
بَل رَّفَعَهُ ٱللَّهُ إِلَيْهِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَزِيزًا حَكِيمًا
Rather, Allāh raised him to Himself. And ever is Allāh Exalted in Might and Wise.
وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ بِكُلِّ شَىْءٍ مُّحِيطًا
And to Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And ever is Allāh, of all things, encompassing.
وَلِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۗ وَلَقَدْ وَصَّيْنَا ٱلَّذِينَ أُوتُوا۟ ٱلْكِتَـٰبَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ وَإِيَّاكُمْ أَنِ ٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ وَإِن تَكْفُرُوا۟ فَإِنَّ لِلَّهِ مَا فِى ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتِ وَمَا فِى ٱلْأَرْضِ ۚ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ غَنِيًّا حَمِيدًا
And to Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And We have instructed those who were given the Scripture before you and yourselves to fear Allāh. But if you disbelieve - then to Allāh belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And ever is Allāh Free of need and Praiseworthy.
وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تُقْسِطُوا۟ فِى ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ فَٱنكِحُوا۟ مَا طَابَ لَكُم مِّنَ ٱلنِّسَآءِ مَثْنَىٰ وَثُلَـٰثَ وَرُبَـٰعَ ۖ فَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ أَلَّا تَعْدِلُوا۟ فَوَٰحِدَةً أَوْ مَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَـٰنُكُمْ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ أَدْنَىٰٓ أَلَّا تَعُولُوا۟
And if you fear that you will not deal justly with the orphan girls, then marry those that please you of [other] women, two or three or four. But if you fear that you will not be just, then [marry only] one or those your right hands possess [i.e., slaves]. That is more suitable that you may not incline [to injustice].