What is the ruling on taking food from a hotel buffet without knowing the ruling? And does one absolve oneself of responsibility by giving charity equivalent to the value of what was taken if the hotel cannot be repaid? And is it permissible to take food for someone who did not attend breakfast despite being registered for it?

If the hotel does not allow food to be taken out of the buffet, then you erred by taking Nutella for your children who are not staying there. If you took it as a substitute for your own consumption, then you are only guilty of violating hotel policy. However, if you took it in excess of your entitlement, then you must repay its value to the hotel and repent to Allah, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The hand is responsible for what it takes until it returns it."

If you took the Nutella for your children who are staying with you, the matter depends on the hotel's policy. If it allows food to be taken to the rooms, then you are not at fault. If it does not allow this, then you erred by violating the conditions, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Muslims are bound by their conditions." However, you are not liable for compensation as long as you took for them what they would normally consume at the buffet.