I work for a person on a monthly salary, and although I fulfill my duties completely, this person delays my due salary beyond what is customary.

The questioner : I work for a person on a monthly salary, and although I fulfill my duties completely, this person delays the due salary beyond what is customary, by three or four months, and he claims that he has nothing to pay, while I have heard from some of his employees that he does not fully pay those who are owed money in his debt. Is it permissible for me to take my wage without his knowledge, as a precaution?

The Shaykh : It is not permissible for a person, if someone wrongs him and does not give him his right, to take from his wealth without his knowledge, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: And taking it without his knowledge is betrayal, except in the case of maintenance. Indeed, the one who is entitled to maintenance, if the one upon whom it is obligatory does not provide it, may take from his wealth without his knowledge. This is because Hind bint Utbah asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and said: "Abu Sufyan is a stingy man who does not give me what is sufficient for me and my child." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to her: "Yes, may I take from his wealth without his knowledge?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Yes.

The questioner : May Allah preserve you. This questioner says.