What is the ruling on taking food items or medicines from shops that were looted during riots, and is it obligatory to return their value to their owners, especially since the state has promised to compensate those affected?

The mere promise of compensation from the state does not permit the seizure of people's property, for Allah Almighty says: "And do not consume your properties among yourselves through falsehood," and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The property of a Muslim person is not lawful unless given with his willing consent." Therefore, whatever was taken from the milk warehouse or found discarded from the pharmacy must be returned to its owners, or its value paid if it is damaged, unless they permit it. The fact that items are discarded does not permit their use without the owner's permission, unless the state compensates their owners and they give permission for them to be taken. And reliance on the alleged permission from the owner of the milk warehouse without verification is not possible. One must free oneself from injustices concerning people and their property.