What is the ruling on a person tampering with the electricity meter for over 25 years in an Islamic country that distinguishes between citizens and foreigners in transactions? Is he obligated to return what he consumed, and if he dies, should the amount be paid from his estate before its distribution?

This act is considered deception and fraud, which are forbidden by Islamic law. The person who committed this act must repent to Allah, the Almighty and Majestic. Part of their repentance is to seek forgiveness from the electricity authority or to return the value of what they consumed. If they do not know the exact amount, they should estimate it based on what they believe would clear their conscience. The heirs must return the value of the electricity consumed by their deceased relative from his inheritance if he did not do so during his lifetime. If the heirs refuse to do so, then whoever among the remaining heirs wishes to clear their conscience must pay that amount from their share of the inheritance and return it to the responsible authority.