What is the ruling on harming orphans?

Orphanhood applies to one who has lost his father before puberty. The Sacred Law encourages showing kindness to orphans, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "I and the guardian of an orphan are like this in Paradise," and feeding an orphan and stroking his head softens the heart and fulfills needs. As for harming an orphan, it is a grievous sin, and unjustly consuming his wealth exposes its perpetrator to a severe warning from Allah. Moreover, harming an orphan is a characteristic of disbelievers.