Is it permissible for me to take 30% of the money of a relative of mine, who owns agricultural land, without his knowledge, after we had agreed that I would receive 40% of the land's produce in return for my work, but then he only gave me 10%, knowing that I am in need and he is wealthy and does not pay zakat on his money? And is it permissible to take zakat money from a wealthy person who does not pay zakat on his money, without his knowledge?
If a laborer works on another's land in exchange for an undivided share of its produce, this is permissible.
If the two parties did not agree on the wage or disputed it, then he is entitled to the wage of his peers (Aurat al-Mithl).
Therefore, his peer's wage should be determined, and he should be awarded it, considering the current contract void. If he wishes to resume work for the landowner, they must specify the amount of the wage.
If he is entitled to his peer's wage from the landowner and the landowner withholds it, he may take it without the landowner's knowledge or permission, provided he does not exceed the due amount.
Having many dependents, being poor, or the landowner being wealthy does not justify taking what is not rightfully his, or exceeding the agreed-upon wage, or the wage of his peers when no agreement exists. Nor does it justify assaulting others' property under the pretext of taking zakat from it without their knowledge or permission.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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