Would it be considered theft if I were to secretly retrieve what was stolen from me, after finding it in the possession of the thief who denied the theft?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
It is permissible for a person to retrieve their money from someone who took it from them by theft, usurpation, or procrastination, without resorting to the judiciary, provided that they are certain that what they retrieved is their right, and that its retrieval will not lead to harm or discord, such as fighting, striking, or injuring, or being accused of theft. If they fear any of that, the matter should be referred to the competent authorities.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/164200
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 164200
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy