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Muhammad Asad   
on this world and on the life to come. And they will ask thee about [how to deal with] orphans. Say: "To improve their condition is best." And if you share their life, [remember that] they are your brethren: for God distinguishes between him who spoils things and him who improves. And had God so willed, He would indeed have imposed on you hardships which you would not have been able to bear: [but,] behold, God is almighty, wise
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
upon this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you ˹O Prophet˺ concerning orphans. Say, “Improving their condition is best. And if you partner with them, they are bonded with you ˹in faith˺. And Allah knows who intends harm and who intends good. Had Allah willed, He could have made it difficult for you. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”
Safi Kaskas   
this world and the Hereafter. They ask you about orphans, say, "Improving their lot in life is good. If you mingle your affairs with them, [they are] your brethren." God knows the difference between one who corrupts and one who improves things. If God had wanted, He would have made things difficult for you. God is strong and wise.

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Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
فِی ٱلدُّنۡیَا وَٱلۡءَاخِرَةِۗ وَیَسۡءَلُونَكَ عَنِ ٱلۡیَتَـٰمَىٰۖ قُلۡ إِصۡلَاحࣱ لَّهُمۡ خَیۡرࣱۖ وَإِن تُخَالِطُوهُمۡ فَإِخۡوَ ٰنُكُمۡۚ وَٱللَّهُ یَعۡلَمُ ٱلۡمُفۡسِدَ مِنَ ٱلۡمُصۡلِحِۚ وَلَوۡ شَاۤءَ ٱللَّهُ لَأَعۡنَتَكُمۡۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَزِیزٌ حَكِیمࣱ ۝٢٢٠
Transliteration (2021)   
fī l-dun'yā wal-ākhirati wayasalūnaka ʿani l-yatāmā qul iṣ'lāḥun lahum khayrun wa-in tukhāliṭūhum fa-ikh'wānukum wal-lahu yaʿlamu l-muf'sida mina l-muṣ'liḥi walaw shāa l-lahu la-aʿnatakum inna l-laha ʿazīzun ḥakīmu
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
Concerning the world and the Hereafter. They ask you about the orphans. Say, "Setting right (their affairs) for them (is) best. And if you associate with them then they (are) your brothers. And Allah knows the corrupter from the amender. And if (had) willed Allah surely He (could have) put you in difficultie Indeed, Allah (is) All-Mighty, All-Wise."

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
on this world and on the life to come. And they will ask thee about [how to deal with] orphans. Say: "To improve their condition is best." And if you share their life, [remember that] they are your brethren: for God distinguishes between him who spoils things and him who improves. And had God so willed, He would indeed have imposed on you hardships which you would not have been able to bear: [but,] behold, God is almighty, wise
M. M. Pickthall   
Upon the world and the Hereafter. And they question thee concerning orphans. Say: To improve their lot is best. And if ye mingle your affairs with theirs, then (they are) your brothers. Allah knoweth him who spoileth from him who improveth. Had Allah willed He could have overburdened you. Allah is Mighty, Wise
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
(Their bearings) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask thee concerning orphans. Say: "The best thing to do is what is for their good; if ye mix their affairs with yours, they are your brethren; but Allah knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise."
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
upon this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you ˹O Prophet˺ concerning orphans. Say, “Improving their condition is best. And if you partner with them, they are bonded with you ˹in faith˺. And Allah knows who intends harm and who intends good. Had Allah willed, He could have made it difficult for you. Surely Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.”
Safi Kaskas   
this world and the Hereafter. They ask you about orphans, say, "Improving their lot in life is good. If you mingle your affairs with them, [they are] your brethren." God knows the difference between one who corrupts and one who improves things. If God had wanted, He would have made things difficult for you. God is strong and wise.
Wahiduddin Khan   
upon this world and the Hereafter. They ask you about orphans. Say, Promotion of their welfare is an act of great goodness. There is no harm in your living together with them, for they are your brothers. God knows the mischief-maker from the reformer. If God had so willed, He would have afflicted you with hardship. Surely, God is mighty and wise
Shakir   
On this world and the hereafter. And they ask you concerning the orphans Say: To set right for them (their affairs) is good, and if you become co-partners with them, they are your brethren; and Allah knows the mischief-maker and the pacemaker, and if Allah had pleased, He would certainly have caused you to fall into a difficulty; surely Allah is Mighty, Wise
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
on the present and the world to come. And they ask thee about orphans. Say: Making things right for them is better. And if you intermix with them, then they are your brothers/sisters. God knows the one who makes corruption from the one who makes things right. And if God willed, He would have overburdened you. Truly, God is Almighty, Wise.
T.B.Irving   
concerning this world and the Hereafter. They will ask you about orphans. SAY: "To improve their lot is best; if you have any dealings with them, [remember] they are your brethren. God distinguishes the plunderer from the improver. If God so wished, He might crush you. God is Powerful, Wise.
Abdul Hye   
in this world and the Hereafter. They ask you about orphans. Say: "Seeking good for them is best and if you intermix (your affairs) with theirs, then they are your brothers. Allah knows the mischievous (misuse property) from the well-wisher (protect property). If Allah wished, He could have put you into difficulties. Indeed Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
The Study Quran   
upon this world and the Hereafter. And they ask thee about orphans. Say, “Setting matters aright for them is best. And if you intermingle with them, they are your brothers. And God knows the one who works corruption from one who sets aright, and had God willed, He would have put you to hardship. Truly God is Mighty, Wise.
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
Concerning this world and the Hereafter. They ask you about orphans. Say, “Acting in their best interests is good. But if you mix with them, consider them your brothers.” God knows the corruptor from the reformer. Had God willed, He could’ve imposed hardship on you. God is Mighty and Wise.
Talal Itani (2012)   
About this world and the next. And they ask you about orphans. Say, 'Improvement for them is best. And if you intermix with them, then they are your brethren.' God knows the dishonest from the honest. Had God willed, He could have overburdened you. God is Mighty and Wise
Dr. Kamal Omar   
on this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about Al-Yatama (the weaker class in the society). Say: “Improvements and reforms for them (are) desirable and if you make them mix as your own, then they are your brothers. And Allah knows him who desires mischief from those who wish reform. And if Allah had wished He could have placed you in difficulties and weaknesses. Certainly Allah is Exalted in Power, All-Wis
M. Farook Malik   
this world and the hereafter. They ask you about orphans. Tell them: "It is best to deal with them justly; you may become copartners with them, after all they are your brethren; Allah knows who means harm and also who means their welfare. If Allah had wanted He could be hard on you in this matter, surely Allah is Mighty, Wise."
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
On (Literally: in) the present (life) (Literally: the lowly "life", i.e., the life world) and the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning the orphans. Say, "Acting righteously with them is most charitable. (i.e. better) And in case you intermix with them, they are then your brethren; and Allah knows the corruptor from the reformer; (i.e. the doer of righteousness) and if Allah had (so) decided, He would have indeed distressed you; surely Allah is Ever-Mighty, Ever-Wise."
Muhammad Sarwar   
about this life and the life hereafter. They ask you about the orphans. Tell them, "The best thing to do is what is for their good. They are your brethren if you would associate with them. God knows who is corrupt or a reformer. Had God wanted He would have brought upon you hardship. God is Majestic and All-wise
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
on this world and the Hereafter. They ask you about the orphans. Say, .To work for their good is good. And if you live with them jointly, they are, after all, your brethren.; and Allah knows the one who makes mischief, as distinct from the one who promotes good. And if Allah had wished, He would have put you in trouble. Surely, Allah is Mighty, Wise
Shabbir Ahmed   
Reflect that Allah's Commands can help you here and in the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans, and those left helpless. Say, "Taking care of the development of their human potential, fulfilling their needs, and rearing them with good training and education is best. If they live with you, they are your brothers and sisters." Allah knows the person who is corrupt from the person who is equitable. Allah has bestowed upon you Guidance without which you would have carried the burdens of Ignorance. He wishes for you ease and not hardship (2:185). The Almighty, Wise Allah uses His Authority in Infinite Wisdom
Dr. Munir Munshey   
(You may ponder) about (the transient nature of) this life, and (the permanence of) the life-to-come! They ask you about the orphans. Say, "The best (conduct) is to better (their conduct and condition). If you allow your affairs (and assets) to mingle, then of course they are your brethren. Allah knows well the one who (spoils and) covets, and also the one who improves (and reforms). He could have imposed a hardship on you. Indeed, Allah is the most Powerful and the Wisest
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
(About their bearings) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask you (O Prophet) concerning orphans: Say: "The best thing to do is what is for their good; If you mix their affair with yours, they are your brethren; But Allah knows (the man) who means mischief from (the man) who means good. And if Allah had wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise."
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
To this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say, "Improvement for them is best. And if you mix your affairs with theirs - they are your brothers. And Allah knows the corrupter from the amender. And if Allah had willed, He could have put you in difficulty. Indeed, Allah is Exalted in Might and Wise
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
In this world and the next; and they ask you regarding the orphans, Say: "To fix their situation is best, and if you are to care for them, then they are your brothers". And God knows the corrupt from the good, and had God wished He could have made things difficult. God is Noble, Wise
Abdel Haleem   
on this world and the next. They ask you about [the property of] orphans: say, ‘It is good to set things right for them. If you combine their affairs with yours, remember they are your brothers and sisters: God knows those who spoil things and those who improve them. Had He so willed, He could have made you vulnerable too: He is almighty and wise.’
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
On this Wor1d and the Here after. And they ask thee of orphans. Say thou: to set right affairs for them were best. If ye mix with them, then they are your brethren. Allah knoweth the foul-dealer from the fair-dealer. And had Allah so willed, He could have harassed you; verily Allah is Mighty, Wise
Ahmed Ali   
On this world and the next. And they ask you about the orphans. Tell them: "Improving their lot is much better; and if you take interest in their affairs, they are your brethren; and God is aware who are corrupt and who are honest; and if He had pleased He could surely have imposed on you hardship, for God is all-powerful and all-wise
Aisha Bewley   
on this world and the Next World. They will ask you about the property of orphans. Say, ´Managing it in their best interests is best.´ If you mix your property with theirs, they are your brothers. Allah knows a squanderer from a good manager. If Allah had wanted, He could have been hard on you. Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
Ali Ünal   
Upon this world and the Hereafter (with all the truths related to both). And they ask you about (how they should act in regard to) orphans. Say (to them): "(Rather than doing nothing for fear of doing wrong) set their affairs aright for their good, that is the best. If you intermix (your expenses) with theirs, (there is no harm in that) for they are your brothers(-in-religion, and brotherhood demands doing what is good for one’s brothers). God knows well him who causes disorder from him who sets aright. Had God willed, He would have imposed on you exacting conditions. Indeed He is All-Glorious with irresistible might, All-Wise
Ali Quli Qara'i   
about the world and the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning the orphans. Say, ‘It is better to set right their affairs, and if you intermingle with them, they are of course your brothers: Allah knows the one who causes corruption from the one who brings about reform, and had Allah wished He would have put you to hardship.’ Indeed Allah is all-mighty, all-wise
Hamid S. Aziz   
Upon this life and the Hereafter! They will ask you about orphans: say, "It is best to do what improves their lot." But if you mingle their affairs with your s - they are your brethren, and Allah knows him who means mischief from him who means
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
about this life and the Hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans. Say: “Improving their affairs is better, and if you mix with them (in business and other affairs), then they are your brothers. God knows the corruptor from one who does what is right. If God wanted, He would have brought you hardship. God is powerful and wise.”
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
This life and the hereafter. They ask you concerning orphans. Say, “The best things to do is what is best for them. If you mix their affairs with yours, then they are your brothers, but God knows the person who means harm from the person who means well, and if God had willed, He could have put you into difficulties. He is indeed the Exalted in Power.
Musharraf Hussain   
in this world, and the next. They also ask you about orphans, say: “Keeping their affairs and accounts in order is best. If you mix your investmentswith theirs, remember thatthey are your brothers and sisters, and Allah knows well who is straight and who is dishonest”. If Allah so wished, He could put you in all kindsof difficulties. He is the Almighty, the Wise
Maududi   
And they ask"What ought we to spend (in the way of Allah)"? Say"Spend whatever you can spare." Thus Allah makes His commands clear to you so that you may think about the good of both this world and the Hereafter
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
In this world and the next; and they ask you regarding the orphans, say: "To fix their situation is best, and if you are to care for them, then they are your brothers." And God knows the corrupt from the good, and if God had wished He could have made things difficult. God is Noble, Wise.
Mohammad Shafi   
— (Ponder) over this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans. Say, "Treat and train them well. And if you mix/interact/inhabit with them, they are your brethren. And Allah does well distinguish the transgressor from the reformer. ad Allah so willed, He could have made things difficult for you. Indeed, Allah is Omnipotent, Wise!"

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
The works of the world and the Hereafter. And they ask you, the precept about orphans. Say you, 'To do good to them is better, and if you intermix your and their expenses then they are your brothers; and Allah knows well the mischief-maker from the reformer. And had Allah so willed, He would have put you into hardship, no doubt, Allah is Mighty, Wise.
Rashad Khalifa   
upon this life and the Hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans: say, "Bringing them up as righteous persons is the best you can do for them. If you mix their property with yours, you shall treat them as family members." GOD knows the righteous and the wicked. Had GOD willed, He could have imposed harsher rules upon you. GOD is ALmighty, Most Wise.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
upon this world and the Everlasting Life. They will question you concerning orphans. Say: 'Doing good for them is best. If you mix their affairs with yours, remember they are your brothers. Allah knows the corrupter from the reformer. If Allah willed He could have brought hardship upon you. He is Almighty and Wise.
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
On this world and the hereafter. And they ask thee concerning the orphans. Say: To set right their (affairs) is good; and if you mix with them, they are your brethren. And Allah knows him who makes mischief from him who sets right. And if Allah pleased, He would have made matters difficult for you. Surely Allah is Mighty, Wise
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
In the present world and the end (other life), and they ask/question you about the orphans say: "Correction/repair (doing good) for them (is) best , and if you mix/mingle/associate with them, so (they are) your brothers, and God knows the corrupting from the correcting/repairing , and if God wanted/willed, He would have caused burden/hardship to you , that God (is) glorious/mighty ,wise/judicious
Bijan Moeinian   
They also ask you how to treat the orphans. Say: “Do sincerely what is best in their interest. If you decide to take them as your partner and mix their properties with your own, bear in mind that you have to treat them like your brothers. Indeed God knows who has a good intention and who is a wicked. If God wanted, He would have imposed the strictest orders in this domain making the life more difficult for you. [But] God [does not want to make the life difficult for you as] is Almighty, Wise
Faridul Haque   
Before you execute your deeds of this world and of the Hereafter; and they ask you the decree regarding orphans; say, "To do good towards them is better; and if you combine your expenses with theirs, they are your brothers"; and Allah knows very well the one who spoils from him who improves; and if Allah willed, He could have put you in hardship; and Allah is Almighty, Wise
Sher Ali   
- Upon this world and the next. And they ask thee concerning the orphans. Say `Promotion of their welfare is an act of great goodness. And if you intermix with them, they are your brethren. And ALLAH knows him who seeks to make mischief apart from him who seeks to promote the welfare of the orphans. And if ALLAH had so willed, HE would have put you to hardship. Surely ALLAH is Mighty and Wise.
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
(Your meditation should be) on (matters relating to) this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you about orphans. Say: ‘It is meritorious to set (their affairs) right. And if you associate them with yourselves (in subsistence and business), then they are also your brothers. And Allah distinctly recognizes the one who is destructive from the other who is constructive. And if Allah willed, He would put you in distress. Verily, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise.
Amatul Rahman Omar   
Upon this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning the orphans. Say, `To set (their affairs) right (keeping in view the promotion of their welfare) is (an act of great) virtue, and if you intermix with them they are (after all) your brethren. And Allah knows the wrongdoers from the right-doers. And if Allah had so willed, He would certainly have made matters difficult for you. Verily, Allah is All- Mighty, All-Wise
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
In (to) this worldly life and in the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning orphans. Say: "The best thing is to work honestly in their property, and if you mix your affairs with theirs, then they are your brothers. And Allah knows him who means mischief (e.g. to swallow their property) from him who means good (e.g. to save their property). And if Allah had wished, He could have put you into difficulties. Truly, Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise."

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
in this world, and the world to come. They will question thee concerning the orphans. Say: 'To set their affairs aright is good. And if you intermix with them, they are your brothers. God knows well him who works corruption from him who sets aright; and had He willed He would have harassed you. Surely God is All-mighty, All-wise.
George Sale   
of this present world, and of the next. They will also ask thee concerning orphans: Answer, to deal righteously with them is best and if ye intermeddle with the management of what belongs to them, do them no wrong; they are your brethren: God knoweth the corrupt dealer from the righteous; and if God please, he will surely distress you, for God is mighty and wise
Edward Henry Palmer   
They will ask thee about orphans: say, 'To do good to them is best.' But if ye interfere with them - they are your brethren, and God knows the evildoer from the well doer; and if God will He will surely trouble you. Verily, God is mighty, wise
John Medows Rodwell   
On this present world, and on the next. They will also ask thee concerning orphans. SAY: Fair dealing with them is best; But if ye mix yourselves up (in their affairs) - they are your brethren: God knoweth the foul dealer from the fair: and, if God pleased, he could indeed afflict you! Verily, God is Mighty, Wise
N J Dawood (2014)   
upon this world and the Hereafter. They question you concerning orphans. Say: ‘To deal justly with them is best. If you mix their affairs with yours: they are your brothers: God knows the unjust from the just. If God pleased, He could afflict you. God is mighty and wise

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
about this life and the hereafter. They ask you [O Muhammad] about the orphans. Say, “To act righteously towards them is better and if you mix with them then they are your brothers” and Allah marks out the corrupter [among you] from the redresser and had Allah so willed, he would have taken you to task. Truly Allah is All-mighty, All-wise.
Munir Mezyed   
Of this worldly life and the Hereafter. They ask you about the orphans. Say: ‘Improvement would be the best for them. If it happens that you mingle your affairs with theirs, (then you can rest assured) that they are your brothers’. Allâh has full knowledge of the one who indulges in corruption from the one who seeks improvement. Had Allâh willed, He could have put you in difficulty. Indeed, Allâh is Almighty, All-Wise.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
About this world and the hereafter. And they ask you about orphans; say: it is better to treat them well, and if you mix with them, then they are your brothers. Allah knows the one who does bad from the one who does good, and if Allah wanted He could have made it difficult for you; Allah is mighty and wise.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
…[consider] this life and the life after. They ask you about orphans. Say, “Arranging their affairs is best for them. If you mix their affairs with yours, they are like your relatives. Allah recognizes the offender from the reformer. He could have caused you problems. He is indeed Victorious, Perfectly Wise.”
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
about the Earlier (Life) and the Hereafter. And they ask yousg about (looking after) orphans. Say, “Reforming their affairs is best. And if you intermix with them, then they are your brethren.” And Allah knows the corrupter from the reformer. For had Allah willed, He could have overburdened youpl. Indeed, Allah is Almighty, All-Wise.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
concerning [what benefits you in] this world and the Hereafter. They will ask you about orphans. SAY: "To improve their lot is best; if you have any dealings with them, [remember] they are your brethren. God distinguishes the plunderer from the improver. If God so wished, He might have made it tough [by disallowing dealings with them]. God is Powerful, Wise.
Samy Mahdy   
In the Dunya (This world) and the hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans. Say, “Repairment for them is best. And if you intermix with them, then they are your brethren.” And Allah knows the spoiler from the repairer. And if Allah willed, He could have suffered you. Surely, Allah is Mighty, Wise.
Ahmed Hulusi   
(Contemplate) upon this world and the eternal life to come! They ask you about orphans. Say, “Improving their welfare is best. If you are living together with them, they are your brothers.” Allah knows the corrupter from the reformer. Had Allah willed, He could have put you in difficulty. Indeed, Allah is the Aziz and the Hakim.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
(Ponder) over this world and the Hereafter. And they ask you concerning orphans. Say: ' To set right for them (their affairs) is best; and if you become co-partner with them, they are your brethren. Allah knows well the mischief-maker from the peace-maker; and had He willed, He would have surely made, it hard for you. Verily Allah is the Mighty, the Wise
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
They contemplate their awareness of life here and in the Hereafter. and they call upon you, O Muhammad, to inform them about Islam and its position on orphans. Say to them: "Put an end to abuses and disorder and adopt the right course of reformation, it is better for them, and if you reverently commune and conduct interchanges, they are your brothers in faith. Allah knows well the one who is playfully malicious and the one who faithfully seeks reform. Had Allah willed, He would have afflicted you with difficulties; Allah is Azizun (Almighty) and Hakimun"
Mir Aneesuddin   
on (this) world and the hereafter. And they ask you about the orphans, say, "To set right for them (their affairs) is good, and if you mingle (your affairs) with them, then (they are) your brothers, and Allah knows (can distinguish) the corrupt from the one who sets right affairs, and if Allah had willed He could have over-burdened you, Allah is certainly Mighty, Wise."

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
(Their bearings) on this life and the Hereafter. They ask thee concerning orphans. Say: "The best thing to do is what is for their good; if ye mix their affairs with yours, they are your brethren; but God knows the man who means mischief from the man who means good. And if God had wished, He could have put you into difficulties: He is indeed Exalted in Power, Wise."
OLD Literal Word for Word   
Concerning the world and the Hereafter. They ask you about the orphans. Say, "Setting right (their affairs) for them (is) best. And if you associate with them then they (are) your brothers. And Allah knows the corrupter from the amender. And if (had) willed Allah surely He (could have) put you Indeed, Allah (is) All-Mighty, All-Wise.
OLD Transliteration   
Fee alddunya waal-akhirati wayas-aloonaka AAani alyatama qul islahun lahum khayrun wa-in tukhalitoohum fa-ikhwanukum waAllahu yaAAlamu almufsida mina almuslihi walaw shaa Allahu laaAAnatakum inna Allaha AAazeezun hakeemun