The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam — Page 59
looking after the property. This is the system to which reference is made in these verses. Then it is said: When you hand over the property to its owner you should do so before witnesses. Those of you who are likely to leave behind minor children should give no directions by way of testament which should operate unfairly against the children. Those who consume the substance of orphans unjustly only devour fire into their bellies and shall enter a blazing fire. 53 It is to be observed how many aspects of honesty and integrity God Almighty has set forth in these verses. A truly honest person is one who keeps in mind all these aspects. If this is not done with perfect intelligence his trustworthiness would cover many hidden dishonesties. Then it is directed: وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُمْ بَيْنَكُمْ بِالْبَاطِلِ وَتُدْلُوا بِهَا إِلَى الْحَيَّامِ لِتَأْكُلُوا فَرِيقًا مِنْ أَمْوَالِ النَّاسِ بِالْإِثْمِ وَأَنْتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ 0 58 اِنَّ اللهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَنْ تُؤَدُّوا الْآمَنَتِ إِلَى أَهْلِهَا ؟ 59 58. And do not devour your wealth among yourselves through falsehood, and offer it not as bribe to the authorities that you may knowingly devour a part of the wealth of other people with injustice. (The Holy Quran, al-Baqarah 2:189) 59. Verily, Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those entitled to them, (The Holy Quran, an-Nisa' 4:59)