Allah Almighty says: {Indeed, those who consume the orphans’ property unjustly, they only consume fire into their bellies, and they will burn in a Blazing Fire.} [Surat al-Nisā’: 10] And He says: {Do not approach the orphan’s property, except to improve it} [Surat al-An‘ām: 152] And He says: {They ask you about orphans. Say, “Serving their interests is best. Should you mix your affairs with theirs, then they are your brothers. Allah knows who is dishonest and who is honest.} [Surat al-Baqarah: 220]
1) It is not lawful to approach the property of the orphans in a way that involves injustice or transgression as this is one of the major sins.
2) It is permissible to invest the orphans’ property in what brings about benefit and good to them.
1614/1- Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Avoid the seven destructive sins.” They said: “O Messenger of Allah, what are they?” He said: “Associating partners with Allah; magic (sorcery); killing a person whom Allah has prohibited killing except by legal right; consuming interest; devouring the property of an orphan; fleeing from the battlefield; and slandering chaste, innocent, believing women.” [Narrated by Al-Bukhāri and Muslim]
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1) The Hadīth warns against devouring the orphan’s property, given this sins’ destructive effect in the worldly life and the Hereafter. The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) coupled it with associating partners with Allah Almighty, which is the gravest sin and worst form of injustice.
2) The spread of such destructive sins in communities causes ruin and disunity.
The Shariah texts indicate that supporting those who are heart-broken is one of the principles of Islam. This is actually one of the greatest aspects of mercy in the teachings of Islam. Because the orphan is often weak and alone, the Shariah laid great emphasis on protecting his right, by maintaining his property and dealing with him kindly as an obligation or recommendation. {If at the time of distribution [other] relatives, orphans, and the needy are present, give them something too, and speak to them kindly.}