Is it permissible for me to donate sums of money that are financial dues owed to individuals whom I fear will harm me if I return the money to them, intending thereby to discharge myself of these obligations, knowing that I can reach them, but I am certain that they want to involve me in their evil deeds rather than reclaim their rights?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The thief must return the stolen goods to their owners or seek their forgiveness and pardon. Giving charity on behalf of the owners of these rights is not sufficient unless one is unable to reach them, and this does not absolve one's responsibility. The thief's feeling that the rightful owners wish to harm him does not excuse him from delivering their rights to them. The rights of people are not waived by such interpretations.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/150457
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 150457
- 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