Prof. Abdur‑Razaq Alaro Warns Misusing Orphans’ Wealth Could Lead to Hellfire

Prof. Abdur‑Razaq Alaro Warns Misusing Orphans’ Wealth Could Lead to Hellfire

A Professor of Islamic Law at the University of Ilorin and Islamic finance expert, Abdur‑Razaq Alaro, has warned that squandering or misusing the wealth left for orphans is a grave sin that could lead one to hellfire in the hereafter. He made the remarks while delivering a lecture in Ilorin during the 5th Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) Muslim Community.

The lecture was themed: “The Role of Muslims in Supporting the Bereaved: Attitude and Responsibilities During and After Burial.” Addressing a large audience, Alaro — who also serves as an advisor to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on non‑interest Islamic banking — said caring for orphans and supporting the bereaved should be understood as a collective duty and shared responsibility in Muslim communities.

Alaro explained that an orphan, in Islamic jurisprudence, is defined as someone who loses their father before reaching maturity, while a bereaved person is someone who has lost a close associate or family member. He emphasised that support for the bereaved extends beyond attending funerals, and urged Muslims to maintain ongoing emotional, moral and material support for grieving families long after burial rites are observed.

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Drawing from Islamic teachings and prophetic traditions, the scholar noted that protecting orphan wealth is a religious obligation, and warned against misappropriating funds or property entrusted to guardians or custodians. He stressed that such misconduct is considered a serious violation of trust and justice, carrying severe spiritual consequences in the afterlife.

Alaro also reflected on broader social challenges, noting that wars and conflicts around the world have created increasing numbers of orphans and bereaved people. He referenced the ongoing Middle East conflict as an example of how human injustice and power struggles have deep consequences for vulnerable populations, including children left without parents.

“Do not be power drunk in life,” Alaro cautioned. “There have been civilizations that were global powers before, whom Allah removed from power, and Allah can do it again.” He urged Nigerians to value peace, coexist peacefully, and pray for wise and guided leadership.

In his remarks, Alaro called on Muslims to uphold justice, empathy and compassion in their personal and communal dealings, especially when it comes to protecting the rights and property of orphans. He noted that Islamic law strictly condemns any form of injustice, including financial exploitation, and that safeguarding orphan wealth is not only a moral duty but a religious obligation with eternal implications.

Earlier in the programme, the Director‑General of MINILS, Mr. Issa Aremu, said the annual lecture — now in its fifth year — has been designed to become a continuous initiative funded by members of the Muslim community. Aremu encouraged Nigerians to use the holy month of Ramadan and the concurrent Christian Lent season to deepen their spirituality and seek divine guidance.

He also urged citizens not to take peace for granted, stressing that conflict resolution remains the best option for resolving crises in communities and at the national level.

Prof. Abdur‑Razaq Alaro Warns Misusing Orphans’ Wealth Could Lead to Hellfire