They Ask Thee about the Right Way of Dealing with Orphans

They ask you about the right way of dealing with orphans. Say, "The right way is that which is for their good." ^EN2-236 Then there is no harm if you live a common life with them, for they are after all your brethren. Allah knows well the one who means harm and also the one who means good. If Allah had willed, He would have been hard upon you in this matter for He is All-Powerful but He is at the same time All-Wise. 2-220

EN2-236 - Before the revelation of this verse, very strict warnings had been administered for the preservation of the rights of orphans. Warnings like "those who misappropriate the property of orphans will fill their bellies with fire," had made the Muslims so fearful that the guardian of the orphans had made separate arrangements for their meals etc. But, in spite of all this, they feared lest any part of the property of the orphans should get mixed up with their property and they should incur the wrath of Allah. That is why they asked the Holy Prophet to define for them the limits of their relations with orphans. They have been told to do sincerely what is best in their interest and at the same time warned that Allah knows everything.