The ruling on one who took a reward that he does not deserve

Question:
This questioner, whose name is indicated by the initials (M. A. T), says: A person took a reward for his work in the night schools, but he did not fulfill the obligation completely, so he gave charity with more than the money. Is his work valid?

Answer:
He must repent and give charity, because he fell short in the obligatory duty. He should give charity with what he estimates corresponds to what he neglected, along with repentance to Allah. If he returns it to the owner of the money, that is the obligatory course: he should return what exceeded his work to the one who gave him the money, seek his forgiveness, and say, "I fell short, and this is..." Unless the owner of the money who spent it permits it and says, "Even if I did, I am forgiving it for you," in which case there is no harm. However, if he does not permit it, or if this money is from the public treasury, it is not permissible. The owner of the right should return it to him. If it is from the public treasury, he should give it in charity to the poor, and he should not take except what corresponds to his work. Yes.

The presenter: We thank Allah for you, O Shaykh, and may Allah bless you, and in your knowledge, and benefit the Muslims with you.