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22 / 08 / 2026
Please note: this fatwa has been translated by artificial intelligence.
Returning Stolen Property if Its Owner is Known
A person was working at a company and took extra money above their salary when needed without the owner's knowledge, intending to pay it back, until the amount grew significantly. Then the company went bankrupt and closed down. It is known that the employer is a relative, and if he learns about the amount, a big problem will arise. Is it permissible to pay back the amount every month by doing charitable work with it?
Answer
I say, and with God's help: As long as this money has a known owner who is alive, it must be returned to him, and it is never sufficient to give it as charity without the owner's knowledge. And God knows best.
