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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Greater Sins - Volume 1 Eighth Greater Sin: Usurping the Property of the Orphans The eighth among the Greater Sins is to usurp the property of an orphan who has not attained maturity. This is categorized as a Greater sin by the Holy Prophet (S), Imam ‘Ali (a.s.), Imam Riďa (a.s.), Imam Kadhim (a.s.) and Imam Taqi (a.s.). It is a sin, the punishment of which is fixed by Allah (S.w.T.) to be the fire of Hell.

The Qur’an says, “(As for) those who swallow the property of the orphans unjustly, surely they only swallow fire into their bellies and they shall enter burning fire.” (Surah an-Nisā’ 4:10) It is mentioned in Tafsir al-Kabir that one who cheats an orphan of his property will be raised on the Day of Judgement in such a condition that the flames of fire will be protruding from his mouth, nose and ears.

By looking at him people will recognize that he is the one who in his lifetime had usurped the property of the orphans. The last phrase, “They shall enter burning fire” indicates that one who deprives an orphan of his rightful property will be liable to be burnt in Hell-fire, even if he has not committed any other sin.

The Almighty Allah (S.w.T.) says, “And give to the orphans their property, and do not substitute worthless (things) for (their) good (ones) and do not devour their property (as an addition) to your own property; this is surely a great sin.” (Surah an-Nisā’ 4:2) The above verse gives clearcut instructions to those who are guardians and caretakers of the orphans, on how to fulfill their responsibility.

They should spend the property in their trust in a correct manner for the benefit of the orphan and without stinginess. A caretaker should be very careful not to spend any of the orphan’s money on himself. This is a very serious offence that will cause his entire Halāl wealth to become Harām. Under no circumstances should an orphan’s valuable possessions be substituted with anything inferior.

Finally, when the child reaches maturity, all his property should be returned to him with complete honesty.