The wealth of minors and those of unsound mind.

Question:
This questioner asks about the wealth of minors and those of unsound mind, such as children and others. How do we deal with this matter?

Answer:
Answer: It is obligatory to preserve the wealth of minors and hand it over to them when they reach the age of maturity and are of sound judgment. Allah (Glorified and Exalted is He) said: “And give the orphans their properties and do not substitute the bad for the good, nor consume their properties [by mixing] them with your own, for indeed, that is a great sin.” He (Glorified and Exalted is He) also said: “And test the orphans until they reach the age of marriage; then if you perceive in them soundness of judgment, release their properties to them.” The wealth of minors is handed over to them when they reach maturity and are of sound judgment, meaning they manage their wealth well. Two conditions are required for handing over the wealth to a minor: the first condition is that he has reached maturity, and the second condition is that he is of sound judgment regarding his wealth, not squandering or wasting it. “Then if you perceive in them soundness of judgment, release their properties to them, and do not consume them excessively or hastily, expecting them to grow up.” It is a trust (amanah) with their guardians or with the agents appointed to safeguard it. They must preserve it, and if they increase it through trade, that is better. They must also pay its zakah on their behalf.