Surah 2:220

By

Dr. Zohurul Hoque & Husain Nuri

 

2:220 concerning this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans. Say: "To set right for them is the best." And if you become copartners with them, then they are your brethren. But Allah knows the mischief-makers from the right doers. And if Allah had willed He could certainly have made difficult for you; surely Allah is Exalted in Might, most Wise.

2:220 The Qur'ân always sides with the righteous underprivileged, deprived, weak members of the society. The issue of orphans is yet another example in this aspect. During the time of the Prophet the believers were suddenly and increasingly challenged with the issue as many male members died in battles and their children became orphans. War or without war, the issue of orphans finds tremendous emphasis in the Qur'ân since they are at social disadvantage for no fault of theirs, and due to lack of maturity and understanding of complexities of the world, they run the risk of suffering exploitation, neglect and parochial treatment from other members of society. If someone takes care of orphans, the caretaker is required to set things right for the orphans in the best possible manner without compromising or usurping their assets (4:10). If orphans are entitled to large inheritance, the caretaker can take them as partner in a mutually benefiting business partnership, provided such partnership does not damage the orphan's collateral through undue risk. This provision is indeed healthy for both the partners; therefore the spirit of the regulation should be observed with fairness. Allâh could have made the issue of orphans difficult for people by making it obligatory to take care of the orphans and at the same time prohibiting people from entering into partnership with them in joint business ventures.

 

Source: http://www.qurancommentary.com/comm2_220.html

 

 

 

 

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