وَلَا تُؤْتُوا السُّفَهَاءَ أَمْوَالَكُمْ الَّتِي جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ قِيَامًا وَارْزُقُوهُمْ فِيهَا وَاكْسُوهُمْ وَقُولُوا لَهُمْ قَوْلًا مَعْرُوفًا (5:4).

Do not give to the feeble-minded the wealth and property which the Almighty has made a means for your support and development. But feed and clothe them with magnanimity, and speak to them with kindness. (4:5)

    It is clear from the context of this verse that it pertains to orphans and their guardians. The Almighty has directed us that since wealth has been made a means of subsistence and survival for man, therefore if an orphan is imprudent and naïve, then his guardians while acknowledging his personal right must also take into consideration the welfare of the family and that of the collectivity, and during the time he is unable to properly discharge his responsibilities, they must not return his wealth to him and should themselves take care of this wealth.
    This is the context of the verse. However, a further reflection on this verse shows that the basis of the directive is their incompetence and not their status as orphans. Therefore, it can be concluded that if the basis of the directive exists, the above right granted to the guardians with regard to the orphans, by analogy, should also be granted to a state with regard to its citizens. This measure takes care of the welfare and well-being of the society, which must always be kept in consideration. So, if a person because of his foolishness and carelessness squanders away or ruins his wealth and resources, then it is the duty of the state to strip him from their control and management and take charge of them. However, in this case, it has been directed that the state must generously cater for his requirements from his wealth and whole-heartedly adjust all matters. The Arabic words used are ‘وَارْزُقُوهُمْ فِيهَا’ (feed them in it) and not ‘وَارْزُقُوهُمْ منها’ (feed them from it), and these words, according to Arabic usage, clearly point to the generosity with which he must be looked after.