The Prohibition of Seizing and Taking Money Without Right
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Fatwa No. ( 17019 )
Q: Once, while I was out looking after some of my needs, I came across a man holding a small sheep (a ewe) in his hand. I took it from him, claiming it was mine. Then I searched for its true owner but could not find him, and I received no news about him. Now, more than six years have passed. What is the ruling on it, and what should I do with the money I have collected? May Allah reward you with good. I hope for clarification.
A: This is seizing and taking money without right, and it is forbidden for you to do so. You are sinful for this, and you are obligated to do the following: 1. Repent to Allah the Exalted for what you have committed. 2. Return this sheep to its owner if you know him, and seek his forgiveness, or to his heirs if you know them. If the sheep has died, return the value of its like. 3. If you do not know its owner or his heirs, give it in charity, or its price, to the poor and needy, with the intention that it is on behalf of its owner.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: Once, while I was out looking after some of my needs, I came across a man holding a small sheep (a ewe) in his hand. I took it from him, claiming it was mine. Then I searched for its true owner but could not find him, and I received no news about him. Now, more than six years have passed. What is the ruling on it, and what should I do with the money I have collected? May Allah reward you with good. I hope for clarification.
A: This is seizing and taking money without right, and it is forbidden for you to do so. You are sinful for this, and you are obligated to do the following: 1. Repent to Allah the Exalted for what you have committed. 2. Return this sheep to its owner if you know him, and seek his forgiveness, or to his heirs if you know them. If the sheep has died, return the value of its like. 3. If you do not know its owner or his heirs, give it in charity, or its price, to the poor and needy, with the intention that it is on behalf of its owner.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.