Is taking money from another person’s hidden stash without his knowledge considered theft?

The questioner : Yes. You are more specific in your description.

The Shaykh : The difference is that it becomes specific, meaning it is certainly forbidden. This is what is forbidden to say, but leaving it off is confirmed, unlike doubt.

The questioner : I mean, is it more likely or not?

The Shaykh : No, it is close to being obligatory, but we do not assert that it is obligatory because we do not know; perhaps he would be pleased, though we know for certain that he would not be pleased, but it is most likely, because he is a stingy man, that he would not be pleased. As for the one who takes from a person’s hidden stash? I seek refuge in Allah, it is a difficult matter; it is like theft, for which the hand is cut off.

The questioner : Yes. Good, good.

The Shaykh : It appears to be the same; what is the difference?

The questioner : Thank you.

The Shaykh : If you know that your companion would be pleased, and the evidence that he would be pleased is that he feels you are reaching into his hidden stash, yes, as if he is saying, “Come on, add to it, take,” yes, no, no, if he is sleeping, we do not know.