What is the ruling on one who stole money while young, then repented when he grew up? How should he act?
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The questioner : This is a young man who says that he stole money from a grocery store. He says it was when he was young, twelve years old. Now he is seventeen years old. He says he wants to return this money. What should he do?
The Shaykh : Good. I say, may Allah reward him, and praise be to Allah that among our youth there are those who are fully aware.
We say: First, your theft while you were young, before reaching puberty, carries no sin, because the pen is lifted from whom?
The student: From three.
The Shaykh : about?
The student: Three.
The Shaykh : Three. Good. Among them is the young child until he reaches puberty. As for now, since Allah has granted you repentance, the way to do this is either to send it with a person you trust. You tell the owner of the grocery store, "These are coins for you from someone," or send them by mail and say, "These are coins." But do not write it in your own handwriting so that he does not recognize it. Write, "These are coins for you from someone." Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : Good. I say, may Allah reward him, and praise be to Allah that among our youth there are those who are fully aware.
We say: First, your theft while you were young, before reaching puberty, carries no sin, because the pen is lifted from whom?
The student: From three.
The Shaykh : about?
The student: Three.
The Shaykh : Three. Good. Among them is the young child until he reaches puberty. As for now, since Allah has granted you repentance, the way to do this is either to send it with a person you trust. You tell the owner of the grocery store, "These are coins for you from someone," or send them by mail and say, "These are coins." But do not write it in your own handwriting so that he does not recognize it. Write, "These are coins for you from someone." Yes.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.