وَٱبْتَلُوا۟ ٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغُوا۟ ٱلنِّكَاحَ فَإِنْ ءَانَسْتُم مِّنْهُمْ رُشْدًا فَٱدْفَعُوٓا۟ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوهَآ إِسْرَافًا وَبِدَارًا أَن يَكْبَرُوا۟ ۚ وَمَن كَانَ غَنِيًّا فَلْيَسْتَعْفِفْ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ فَقِيرًا فَلْيَأْكُلْ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ فَإِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فَأَشْهِدُوا۟ عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِٱللَّهِ حَسِيبًا 6
Translations
And test the orphans [in their abilities] until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgement, release their property to them. And do not consume it excessively and quickly, [anticipating] that they will grow up. And whoever, [when acting as guardian], is self-sufficient should refrain [from taking a fee]; and whoever is poor - let him take according to what is acceptable. Then when you release their property to them, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allāh as Accountant.
Transliteration
Wa-btalu al-yatama hatta idha balaghoo an-nikaha fa-in anasatum minhum rushdan fa-adfu ilayhim amwalahum. Wa la ta'kuluha israfan wa bidaran an yakbaru. Wa man kana ghaniyyan fa-liyastaciff. Wa man kana faqiran fa-liya'kul bi-al-maruf. Fa-idha dafactum ilayhim amwalahum fa-ashidu alayhim. Wa kafa bi-Allah hasiba.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah addresses the guardianship of orphans' wealth, instructing guardians to test the maturity and soundness of judgment (rushd) of orphans before entrusting them with their inheritance upon reaching marriageable age. Classical scholars like Al-Qurtubi emphasize that 'rushd' refers to both intellectual maturity and moral rectitude, and guardians are permitted to consume from the orphans' wealth only if impoverished and only in a reasonable manner (bi-al-maruf), not excessively or hastily. The verse concludes by mandating witnesses when property is transferred and affirms that Allah is the ultimate reckoner and judge of guardians' conduct.
Revelation Context
This ayah is part of Surah An-Nisa, revealed in Medina, which extensively addresses women's rights, inheritance, and family law. The surah provides comprehensive legislation protecting orphans' wealth during a period when such vulnerability was frequently exploited in pre-Islamic Arabia. This particular verse responds to the need for clear guidelines on orphan guardianship in the nascent Muslim community.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari (3120): Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said, 'Whoever takes care of an orphan will be with me in Paradise like these two fingers,' joining his index and middle fingers. Also relevant: Sunan Abu Dawud (3535) regarding the prohibition of guardians unjustly consuming orphans' wealth.
Themes
Key Lesson
Guardianship is a sacred trust requiring meticulous care for both the spiritual and material well-being of those under one's protection; modern families and institutions must maintain the same vigilance in protecting vulnerable dependents' rights and assets while ensuring their moral development before granting them full autonomy.