Theft

In common usage, theft is the taking of another person's property or services without that person's permission or consent with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. The word is also used as an informal shorthand term for some crimes against property, such as burglary, embezzlement, larceny, looting, robbery, shoplifting, library theft or fraud. In some jurisdictions, theft is considered to be synonymous with larceny; in others, theft has replaced larceny.

86876

Repentance (Tawbah) . Theft

I went to a school exchange in Germany and I've stolen a lipstick from the girl of the host family who were non-Muslims. I've repented, but unable to return it, because I don't have any contact with her nor will I ever see her again. What should I do?

Sayyed Mohammad Al-Musawi, Sayyed Mohammad al-Musawi is originally from Iraq and heads up the World Ahlul Bayt Islamic League in London. Other than being involved in various humanitarian projects, he frequently responds to... Answered 5 years ago

Muslim must be honest and truthful when dealing with any human being, Muslims and non Muslims. Steeling is a major sin. You must try your best to reach to the host family and return the item to the owner. You should ask every one who may be able to guide you to the owner.

If your search does not lead you to the owner, and you lose hope in reaching to them, then you should pay the original value of the item to poor and needy as a Sadaqa on behalf of the owner.

Wassalam.

71736

Theft . Repentance (Tawbah)

Can someone punish himself in repentance for a sin such as by cutting his finger if he stole?

Abbas Di Palma, Shaykh Abbas Di Palma holds a BA and an MA degree in Islamic Studies, and certifications from the Language Institute of Damascus University. He has also studied traditional Islamic sciences in... Answer updated 5 years ago

as salam alaikum

repentance is returning to Allah after having sinned or misbehaved. It implies remorse for a sin that has been committed, resolution fo not repeating the sin again, and giving back the right to the people that have being wronged (if any). Repentance does not imply mutilation of any part of the body and actually it is forbidden for a believer to self-mutilate himself.

With prayers for your success.

68525

Theft

How can one pay a debt back if they are unaware of how much they stole in the past?

You can ask the persons concerned if there is no harm on you. If there is no one at all to inform you about the exact or approximate amount, then you should estimate and pay according to your estimate.

Wassalam.

63596

Punishment . Shariah . Theft

Is the cutting of hands as punishment for stealing really a part of the Shariah? If yes, is it not counter productive since the one who has stolen will never be able to reform and get back on track in life?

Financial security is one of the most important concerns of human beings every where and every time. Theft is a real danger which endangers human beings wealth and property. Human societies over the history till now, tried many ways to tackle and counter theft and robbery but no real success was achieved. Till today millions of innocent people suffer from those who steal their money in different ways. Those who steal do that because they do not fear real punishment, hence they steal whenever they find a chance.

Islam deals with this burning issue with inner treatment as well as outer action.

1. Inner treatment: is to warn that theft is a major sin and it leads the thief to hellfire. This will make good Muslims away from this sinful act.

2. Outer action: Those who do not care for religious teaching and insist on committing theft, must be punished in public to show them and others the miserable results of this crime and to protect people from similar crimes.

Cutting the hand of the thief has conditions which insure that he deserves this type of punishment for the security of the people and society. Thief who was instigated by hunger is excluded from such punishment.

Cutting the hand of the thief (with all the conditions) does not mean cutting more than the fingers of one hand only. He will still be able to work and earn in lawful way.

Allah , The Most Merciful, Has ordained this punishment on the dangerous thief to provide the people financial security. It is a fact hat no other punishment could work all over the history to stop theft crime like this punishment. Where ever this punishment was applied in proper way with all its conditions, people enjoyed security on their wealth and property. Theft crime rates dropped to near zero in Muslim societies after proper implementation of the rules of Allah (SWT) which provide peace and justice to all and prevent evil doers to violate he rights of others.

Allah (SWT) says in Sura Al-Baqara, Verse 179 : AND THERE IS REAL LIFE FOR YOU IN APPLYING THE PROPER PUNISHMENT, O PEOPLE OF INTELLECT, SO THAT YOU BECOME PIOUS).

After all, we believe that the Mercy and Wisdom of Allah is the best in all situations and for all human beings. Punishing one thief who deserves punishment is the real justice because it provides security to millions and saves their basic rights on their wealth and property.

Those millions of victims who suffer from theft, they suffer because of the failure of the non Muslim legal system to stop or counter the crime, and they pay for that failure of the system to protect them. Quran is very clear that proper life will be achieved by applying proper punishment, which means that with out applying the proper punishments, there will be no real life of security, peace and justice.

Wassalam.

Punishment . Shariah . Theft

Zoheir Ali Esmail, Shaykh Zoheir Ali Esmail has a Bsc in Accounting and Finance from the LSE in London, and an MA in Islamic Studies from Middlesex University. He studied Arabic at Damascus University and holds a PhD... Answered 6 years ago

Bismillah

Thank you for your question. This punishment is after a number of stages which allow for the person to reform their ways and after which they would be aware that another instance of theft would result in such a consequence.

May you always be successful

61228

Father . Intention (Niyah) . Theft

I took some money from my father's cupboard without him realizing it and used the money to buy a mobile. My intention is to return the money to the cupboard as soon as I am able to. Is this considered theft and is that mobile allowed for me to use?

Yes, it is considered theft because you have taken money which does not belong to you with out permission of the owner. Using this money and any item bought by this money is unlawful. You must return the money immediately to the same place you have taken it from.

Wassalam.

51225

Zakat . Repentance (Tawbah) . Theft

I stole some money and have since repented. I can’t return it as the company I stole from no longer exists. Does previous charity before I repented wipe away that debt?

You must do every thing you can to return the money to its owners either directly to them or to their inheritors if they are dead.

If you tried your best and could not reach to them, then it must be given to the Marja' of Taqleed who will distribute it to the poor as Majhool al-Maalik (unknown owner) on behalf of the real owners.

Wassalam.