The Process of Handing Over an Orphan’s Wealth Upon Reaching Maturity
The orphan’s wealth should be handed over under two conditions:
➊ First Condition: He must have reached the age of maturity (puberty).
➋ Second Condition: He must possess sound judgment, meaning he should not be foolish or wasteful in using his wealth on frivolous and non-beneficial activities.
Allah (ﷻ) says:
«وَابْتَلُوا الْيَتَامَىٰ حَتَّىٰ إِذَا بَلَغُوا النِّكَاحَ فَإِنْ آنَسْتُم مِّنْهُمْ رُشْدًا فَادْفَعُوا إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَالَهُمْ» [النساء: 6]
“And test the orphans until they reach marriageable age. Then if you perceive in them sound judgment, hand over to them their property.”
The wealth should be handed over in the presence of just witnesses or with the confirmation of an Islamic court, as Allah (ﷻ) says:
«فَإِذَا دَفَعْتُمْ إِلَيْهِمْ أَمْوَالَهُمْ فَأَشْهِدُوا عَلَيْهِمْ ۚ وَكَفَىٰ بِاللَّهِ حَسِيبًا» [النساء: 6]
“Then when you hand over to them their property, bring witnesses upon them. And sufficient is Allah as Accountant.”
[اللجنة الدائمة: 15531]
