ORPHANS.
Arabic yatim يتيم, pl. yatatam In Muslim law, the term is used for a child whose father is dead.
Muhammad gave very special instructions in the Qur’an as to the treatment of orphans. See Surah iv. 2—7:-
“And give to the orphans their property and substitute not worthless things of your own for their valuable ones, and enjoy not their property in addition to your own; verily this is a great crime: and if ye are apprehensive that ye shall not deal fairly with orphans, then, of other women who seem good in your eyes, marry but two, or three, or four; and if ye still fear that ye shall not act equitably, then one only, or the slaves whom ye have acquired; this will make justice on your part easier. And give women their dowry as a free gift; but if of their own free will they kindly give up aught thereof to you, then enjoy it as convenient and profitable. And entrust not to the incapable the substance which God hath placed with you as a means of support, but maintain them therewith; and clothe them, and speak to them with kindly speech. And make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; and if ye perceive in them a sound judgment, then, hand over their substance to them; but consume ye it not profusly and hastily. Only because they have attained their majority. And let the rich guardian not even touch it; and let him who is poor, then use it for hits support with discretion. And when ye make over their substance to them, then take witnesses in their presence. God also taketh a sufficient account.”
Arabic yatim يتيم, pl. yatatam In Muslim law, the term is used for a child whose father is dead.
Muhammad gave very special instructions in the Qur’an as to the treatment of orphans. See Surah iv. 2—7:-
“And give to the orphans their property and substitute not worthless things of your own for their valuable ones, and enjoy not their property in addition to your own; verily this is a great crime: and if ye are apprehensive that ye shall not deal fairly with orphans, then, of other women who seem good in your eyes, marry but two, or three, or four; and if ye still fear that ye shall not act equitably, then one only, or the slaves whom ye have acquired; this will make justice on your part easier. And give women their dowry as a free gift; but if of their own free will they kindly give up aught thereof to you, then enjoy it as convenient and profitable. And entrust not to the incapable the substance which God hath placed with you as a means of support, but maintain them therewith; and clothe them, and speak to them with kindly speech. And make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; and if ye perceive in them a sound judgment, then, hand over their substance to them; but consume ye it not profusly and hastily. Only because they have attained their majority. And let the rich guardian not even touch it; and let him who is poor, then use it for hits support with discretion. And when ye make over their substance to them, then take witnesses in their presence. God also taketh a sufficient account.”
Based on Hughes, Dictionary of Islam
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