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What is the ruling on accusing a person of theft based on the claim of a shaykh who alleges to reveal stolen items, while the accused denies it?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Whoever claims to know the locations of stolen goods or points to thieves through hidden means is either a soothsayer used by devils or an imposter who exploits people. It is not permissible to resort to them or believe them. Visiting a diviner and asking him questions prevents the acceptance of the visitor's prayers for forty nights, and believing him is considered disbelief in what was revealed to Muhammad, peace be upon him, as transmitted from Al-Baghawi and Ibn Uthaymeen. These individuals may seek help from jinn who lie and may accuse innocent people. Some scholars have gone as far as to consider one who claims to know the locations of stolen goods or that jinn inform him of such matters an infidel. Whoever has approached a diviner and questioned him must repent, feel remorse, and resolve never to return to such acts. He should not accuse anyone based on the statements of diviners, as that is a grave sin. A Muslim must turn to Allah Almighty in times of calamity, for He is capable of removing evil.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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