Hadith #11434

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

مَنْ ظَلَمَ يَتيماً عَقَّ أوْلادَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

Whoever oppresses an orphan has severed his ties with his children.

This thought-provoking saying of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the grave consequences of oppressing or mistreating an orphan.

Let us delve into the important words in this Hadith. The word (zalam) "ظَلَمَ" means to oppress, wrong, or treat unjustly. It encompasses any action that causes harm, injustice, or violation of rights. The term (yateeman) "يَتِيمًا" refers to an orphan, a child who has lost one or both parents. And (aqq) "عَقَّ" means to sever or cut off. It signifies the severing of the bonds and connections that should exist between a parent and their children.

To understand the significance of this Hadith, we must turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) repeatedly emphasizes the importance of treating orphans with kindness, justice, and compassion. In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says, (Quran 6:152)

And do not approach the property of an orphan, except in the way that is best, until he reaches maturity. And fulfill [every] commitment. Indeed, the commitment is ever [that about which one will be] questioned.

This verse highlights the obligation to protect the rights of orphans and to handle their affairs with utmost care. It emphasizes the importance of fulfilling commitments and treating orphans with fairness and justice. Allah further emphasizes the consequences of mistreating orphans in Surah An-Nisa, (Quran 4:10)

Indeed, those who devour the property of orphans unjustly are only consuming into their bellies fire. And they will be burned in a Blaze.

The Quranic verses make it clear that oppressing orphans is a grave sin with severe consequences. It is an act that not only harms the orphan but also severs the ties between the oppressor and their own children. By mistreating an orphan, one displays a lack of empathy, compassion, and responsibility towards those who are most vulnerable in society.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) statement serves as a reminder to Muslims of the importance of upholding justice and kindness towards orphans. It highlights the interconnectedness of our actions and the consequences they have on our relationships, particularly with our children. When a person oppresses an orphan, they are not only committing a grave injustice but also damaging the very foundation of their own family unit.

The consequences of severing ties with one's children go beyond the immediate effects. It creates a cycle of harm and perpetuates a lack of empathy and compassion within the family. It can lead to a breakdown in trust, love, and respect between family members, causing long-lasting emotional and psychological damage.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of treating all members of society, especially the vulnerable, with kindness, justice, and compassion. It is our duty as Muslims to protect the rights of orphans and ensure their well-being. By doing so, we not only fulfill our obligations towards them but also strengthen the bonds within our own families and communities.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) guide us to be just and compassionate towards orphans and all those in need. May He grant us the wisdom to understand the profound teachings of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) and the ability to implement them in our lives. Ameen.