Article appeared Friday, June 17th, 2011 in The News Today, Bangladesh

The Revelation (183)

yousuf mahbubul Islam, PhD

Are responsibilities and opportunities that we face in our day-to-day lives a test? If we are created, do we need to know which tests are being given? If we are looking for guidance, the most recent Revelation, the Quran, clearly elaborates on our tests. A major test is how we treat orphans around us and how we treat those that lack the basic necessities of life (food, clothing and shelter), i.e. the indigent. To bring this particular aspect to our notice, Chapter 107 or Sura Al-Maun of the Quran is entirely devoted to elaborating on the seriousness this test. It also tells us the nature of those who fail the test. Have you seen him who denies religion? It is he who thrusts the orphan away and does not urge others to feed the needy. Woe, then, to those who pray but are heedless of their prayers; who put on a show of piety but refuse to give even the smallest help to others. [107.1 107.7] Note the grave tone of the Verses. Allah opens the chapter by asking a question who is the one who denies the religion of Islam? He then categorically gives the characteristics of such a person. These are people who pray regularly however push away those who lack the basic necessities of life and cannot fend for themselves, i.e. the orphans. Nor do such people organize support for the needy in a collective manner. Allah tells us that the prayers of such people are simply a false display of piety, i.e. an act of hypocrisy! In other words, the treatment of orphans is a test of faith for those who claim to be Muslims! The question is therefore, can a community that has people begging everywhere on the streets have a claim to being religious or classify themselves as Muslims following the religion of Islam? Our Creator has therefore made the treatment of the needy and orphans an integral part of faith. Those who treat the needy and orphans badly are classified as hypocrites! Can the emphasis on proper and just treatment of the needy and orphans be any greater? Then there are those who have a question regarding the needy and the orphans. So much so, that some even feel that if the Creator really existed, He couldve Himself taken care of the orphans and the poor. And when they are told, "Spend of (the bounties) with which Allah has provided you." You Unbelievers say to those who believe: "Shall we then feed those whom if Allah had so willed He would have fed (Himself)? You are in nothing but manifest error." [36.47] The fact is if there were no needy and orphans, how indeed would the Creator test a persons goodness? Given selfishness and greed, human beings find it difficult to give freely. However, giving is exactly the test designed for human beings. By no means shall you attain righteousness unless you give (freely) of that which you love; and whatever you give of a truth Allah knows it well. [3.92] To help understand, Allah says that He has designed the things on earth to test us: That which is on earth We have made but as a glittering show for the earth in order that We may test them as to which of them are best in conduct. [18.7] To those who suffer from envy, Allah says:

Nor strain your eyes in longing for the things We have given for enjoyment to parties of them the splendor of the life of this world through which We test them: but the provision of your Lord is better and more enduring. [20.131] Therefore the commandment is: O you who believe! Give of the good things which you have (honorably) earned and of the fruits of the earth which We have produced for you and do not even aim at getting anything which is bad in order that out of it you may give away something when you yourselves would not receive it except with closed eyes. And know that Allah is free of all wants and worthy of all Praise. [2.267] To help believers understand, Sura Nisaa of the Quran therefore elaborates duties towards orphans and in particular orphaned woman under ones care.

4.4 And give the women (on marriage) their dower as a free gift; but if they of their own good pleasure remit any part of it to you take it and enjoy it with right good cheer.
When marrying an orphaned woman, one may feel that he is doing a favor. On the contrary, Allah warns of depriving such a woman in any way. The proposed bride must receive a dower from the personal property of the husband just like he would give to any other woman he cannot and may not deprive the orphan of her right to dowry. Care of the orphans property is a trust given by the Creator. This trust is not only to be handled with due justice and responsibility the orphan must be fully capable of handling his or her own property when the rightful inheritance is handed over. One cannot shirk ones responsibility and hand over the property at random. Allah has given strict guidelines for the handover.

4.5 To those weak of understanding make not over your property which Allah has made a means of support for you but feed and clothe them therewith and speak to them words of kindness and justice.
So orphans must be given proper education and training to eventually be able to handle their own affairs and stand on their own feet.

4.6 Make trial of orphans until they reach the age of marriage; if then you find sound judgment in them release their property to them; but consume it not wastefully nor in haste against their growing up. If the guardian is well-off let him claim no remuneration but if he is poor let him have for himself what is just and reasonable. When you release their property to them take witnesses in their presence: but all-sufficient is Allah in taking account.
When the property is released, all inheritance and responsibilities should be documented. The orphans receiving their property should be fully aware of what is happening. All should be done in the presence of responsible witnesses. Allah will take each and every deed towards orphans into account.