How can one deal with an older brother who steals things from the house to sell them and enjoy the money, especially since repeated attempts to advise him have failed?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Theft is a grave sin, but it is not permissible to strike a brother who steals, because the enforcement of punishments (hudud) and discretionary penalties (ta'zir) is the prerogative of the ruler or his deputy. Furthermore, striking could lead to disputes and mischief.
The correct approach is to admonish the brother, remind him of the prohibition and ugliness of theft, and threaten to inform the father or the authorities if he does not desist from stealing, unless a greater evil is feared from such a threat.
One should also supplicate for his guidance.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/59719
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 59719
- 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