In one of the episodes, you gave an answer to one of the questioners that a man who consumed the money of others without a legitimate right, if he repents with sincere repentance, must return the money.
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The questioner : From the questions of this questioner, the honorable Shaykh says: In one of the episodes, you gave an answer to one of the questioners that a man who consumed the money of others without a legitimate right, if he repents with sincere repentance, must return the money to its owner. But if this money is from public funds, how does he act? Please inform us, may Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : Yes. If this money that he took without a legitimate Shari'ah right is from public funds, let him return it to the one from whom he took it. For example, if he took it from a ministry, he returns it to the ministry. If he took it from a school, he returns it to the school principal or its head, or something similar. But if he took money from a person and then repented, and the person from whom it was taken is unknown—he does not know where he is, nor does he know his origin or lineage—then he gives it in charity on his behalf. Then, if it happens that the person comes forward one day, let him inform him that he gave it in charity on his behalf. If the person approves it, it remains as it is; meaning, if he approves the charity, the reward is for him. If he says, "No, give me my money," then let him give him his money, and the charity belongs to the one who repented who had taken it previously. Yes.
The Shaykh : Yes. If this money that he took without a legitimate Shari'ah right is from public funds, let him return it to the one from whom he took it. For example, if he took it from a ministry, he returns it to the ministry. If he took it from a school, he returns it to the school principal or its head, or something similar. But if he took money from a person and then repented, and the person from whom it was taken is unknown—he does not know where he is, nor does he know his origin or lineage—then he gives it in charity on his behalf. Then, if it happens that the person comes forward one day, let him inform him that he gave it in charity on his behalf. If the person approves it, it remains as it is; meaning, if he approves the charity, the reward is for him. If he says, "No, give me my money," then let him give him his money, and the charity belongs to the one who repented who had taken it previously. Yes.