Surah An-Nisa 4:5
سُورَةُ النِّسَاءِ · Medinan · Verse 5 of 176
وَلَا تُؤْتُوا۟ ٱلسُّفَهَآءَ أَمْوَٰلَكُمُ ٱلَّتِى جَعَلَ ٱللَّهُ لَكُمْ قِيَٰمًۭا وَٱرْزُقُوهُمْ فِيهَا وَٱكْسُوهُمْ وَقُولُوا۟ لَهُمْ قَوْلًۭا مَّعْرُوفًۭا
Translation
Do not entrust your property to the feeble-minded. God has made it a means of support for you: make provision for them from it, clothe them, and address them kindly.
English translation: M.A.S. Abdel Haleem.
Meaning and reflection
Qur'anic Worlds
This verse, revealed during the Madani period when the early Muslim community was establishing its laws and social structures, comes from Allah directly, guiding those who act as guardians or custodians of wealth. It follows earlier instructions regarding orphans and women, clarifying a crucial condition for handling property.
Protecting the Vulnerable
The core of this instruction is a prohibition: "And do not give to the foolish (as-sufaha') your property (amwalakum)." Who are these 'as-sufaha''? Scholars like al-Razi and al-Tabari explain that the term literally means those with "lightness of intellect" (khiffat al-aql) – individuals who lack sound judgment in managing money, not necessarily due to a moral failing, but a lack of capacity. This includes minor children, those who are mentally unsound, and anyone who might squander wealth due to poor decision-making. Some early scholars, such as Mujahid, specifically mentioned women or children, but the broader consensus, as highlighted by al-Tabari, is that the injunction applies generally to anyone who is deemed incapable of responsibly managing their own finances, regardless of age or gender. The purpose is to protect the wealth from waste.
Whose Wealth Is It?
The phrase "your property" (amwalakum) is interesting here. Al-Razi offers two interpretations: it could refer to the guardian's own wealth, or the wealth belonging to the *sufaha'* but held under the guardian's care. His preferred view, shared by al-Tabari and Ma'arif al-Quran, is that it refers to the wealth under the guardian's stewardship. Even though it's not strictly "their own," the responsibility of managing it makes it "yours" in a legal and moral sense, underscoring the trust placed in the guardian.
Sustenance and Stewardship
Allah describes this wealth as "that which Allah has made a means of sustenance (qiyaman) for you." Scholars like al-Razi and al-Baghawi emphasize that *qiyaman* means the very foundation of life, livelihood, and independence. It's what allows for the functioning of society, enabling Hajj, jihad, and acts of charity. This highlights that wealth is not merely a personal possession but a trust from Allah, essential for human well-being. Therefore, its protection is paramount.
Provision and Kind Words
Even when withholding wealth, the guardians are commanded: "but provide for them from it and clothe them and speak to them with kind words (qawlan ma'rufan)." This shows that the withholding is not a punishment, but a protective measure. The instruction to provide "from it" (fiha, literally "in it"), as noted by al-Razi and al-Baghawi, implies managing and growing the wealth so that provision comes from its profits, not by depleting the principal.
The "kind words" (qawlan ma'rufan) are also crucial. Scholars like al-Razi and al-Tabari suggest this includes beautiful promises, prayers for their well-being, and, most powerfully, explaining the situation to the *sufaha'*. For a child, this might mean assuring them the wealth is theirs and will be returned once they mature. For an adult with poor judgment, it could be gentle advice, reminding them of their responsibilities, and encouraging good conduct. It's about maintaining dignity and hope, not shaming or dismissing them.
This verse from the world of revelation provides a comprehensive framework for ethical financial guardianship, emphasizing protection, responsible management, and compassionate communication, ensuring the vulnerable are cared for while their assets are preserved.
Sources: al-Razi (Mafatih al-Ghayb), al-Baghawi (Maalim al-Tanzil), Sayyid Qutb (Fi Zilal al-Quran), al-Tabari (Jami al-Bayan), Ibn Kathir, Ma'arif al-Quran (Mufti Shafi)
Topics that discuss this verse
Surah An-Nisa 4:5 is discussed in 12 study guides on Maani. Each guide gathers the key verses, Arabic words and lessons of one Quranic topic.
Reflect on this verse
Open Surah An-Nisa 4:5 in Maani to reflect on it through the Five Lenses: its wording, its context, what it means for you, its connections across the Quran and its lessons, grounded in classical tafsir.