Punishment for Usurping the Orphan’s Property is Meted Out...

Punishment for Usurping the Orphan’s Property is Meted Out in This World It is recorded from Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) that Allah (S.w.T.) has ordained two penalties for appropriating the wealth or property of an orphan: “The first punishment is in the Hereafter, and that is the fire of Hell. The second one is in this world itself.

As indicated by the following verse of Qur’an: “And let those fear who, should they leave behind them the weakly offspring, would fear on their account, so let them be careful of (their duty to) Allah, and let them speak right words.” (Surah an-Nisā’ 4:9) Whatever has been mentioned in the Holy Qur’an, the same has been emphasized by Imam ‘Ali (a.s.), Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.), Imam ‘Ali ar-Riďa (a.s.). Other Tafsirs of Qur’an also give the same explanation.

Imam ‘Ali (a.s.) states: “Certainly one who usurps the orphan’s property, his own children shall be similarly dealt with in this world in the near future and he will suffer for it in the Hereafter.”(Bihār al-Anwār) ‘Ali (a.s.) has also mentioned: “Do good to the children of others so that good may be done to yours (after you are dead).” Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) has informed: “If one oppresses someone, Allah will appoint an oppressor upon him or upon his children.” ^1 This is not Against Divine Justice We may wonder as to why the innocent children who are not at fault and in no way responsible for the misdeeds of their parents should be the target of oppression and injustice meant for their parents.

Is this not against Divine Justice? The answer to this objection is simple. Allah (S.w.T.) does not appoint any oppressor but when someone oppresses the children, Allah (S.w.T.) does not restrain him. Allah (S.w.T.) witholds His Mercy and favour. Bad behaviour towards the children implies that the father wishes the same for his children and also that he has not wished Allah (S.w.T.)’s Mercy and favour upon his children.