Q: My friends and I stole some stuff because we could get away with it but personally, speaking for myself, I did not have any money and needed the stuff for my house. We feel a lot of regret and have been asking Allah for forgiveness. I stole a lot because I have been without money even after I pay all my bills and expenses. I don’t want to do it again and really need and want to be forgiven.
1. What do I need to do?
2. Do I keep the stuff (lights, cardboard, plate sets, bedding, cabinets, clothes, make up, food, toiletries and perfumes)?
3. If I need to give it back, who do I give it to?
I’ve stolen money from friends and can’t really remember how much exactly. I'm scared that if I tell them they won’t talk to me but I’m more scared of what Allah will do to me.
A: What you still have in your possession and those amounts that you are sure of then return that to the people you have stolen from. For the amounts that you are not sure of then estimate it and return that. Write a letter to them and seek their forgiveness. You do not have to tell them what this amount is for.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
Q: The ones I stole from, I already asked for forgiveness and told them what I remembered and what I did and alhamdulilah they have forgiven me and told me verbally.
My other questions are:
1. Do I still have to give the money back to the ones that have forgiven me?
2. What about the stuff that I have taken from shops, what should I do?
3. What can I do for charity? There are some charity websites, which you apply on and they take a certain amount every month for charities?
4. What can I do for Allah to forgive me and will He forgive all the bad I have done ?
A:
1. If they have forgiven you for the amount that you have stolen (they don't want the money back) then there is no question of you repaying them.
2. Ask the shop owners for forgiveness.
3. We suggest that you first clear all the areas and thereafter you may think of doing charitable works.
4. As long as you are sincere and honest to Allah Ta`ala, He will definitely forgive you. In fact provided you are honest you will become the beloved of Allah.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
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