Taking an orphan’s property is stealing

Dear Brothers & Sisters,
As-Salaamu-Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)
One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:
I made a vow and I have orphans under my care. Can I fulfil this vow from the property of these orphans?
(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)
Check below answers in case you are looking for other related questions:

Answer:

Praise be to Allaah.

It is not permissible to fulfil the vow from the property of the orphans. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it”

[al-An’aam 6:152]

If we pay this from the orphan’s property, there is no benefit to the orphan, rather taking it is counted as stealing. Everyone who is in charge of orphans’ property has to dispose of it in the manner which he thinks is in the orphans’ best interests. With regard to that which is not in their interests, or which serves some interest but there is some doubt as to whether it is in their best interests, then it is not permissible to dispose of it in that manner, because of the quotation mentioned (interpretation of the meaning):

“And come not near to the orphan’s property, except to improve it”

[al-An’aam 6:152]

So it is not permissible dispose of it, even if they are her children.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah's Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Related Answers:

Recommended answers for you: