Ahmadiyyat or The True Islam — Page 257
257 to spend in looking after the minor and his affairs. If he is in easy circumstances no payment is to be made to him. The guardian should bring up the minor to some trade or calling suitable to his capacities and circum- stances. Special attention is directed to be paid to the manners and morals of the minor. He should not be left entirely free to pursue his own devices, nor should he be dealt with so strictly as to repress his spirits and to stamp out his initiative. He should be treated with kindness and affection, for he has already been deprived of that most priceless blessing, the love of his parents. When he attains to years of discretion it becomes the duty of the State to asses his capacities and judgment. If he is then found capable of looking after his own affairs he should be released from the care of his guardian and his property should be handed over to him. If his judg- ment is found to be so defective as to render him inca- pable of looking after his own affairs he should continue under the care of his guardian and his property should also continue to be administered by the latter, a suitable allowance being made for the maintenance of the ward. Another important aspect of social relations is that of creditor and debtor. There are occasions when a man is forced to seek a temporary loan to tide him over his difficulties. To meet such contingencies Islam has permitted loans and mortgages. Those who are in easy circumstances are under obligation to help those who are in need of financial assistance by loans with or without security. Islam makes it obligatory that all contracts of loan or mortgage should be reduced to writing, so as to avoid subsequent disputes in regard to