What is the ruling on one who repents from shoplifting, defrauding government agencies, and forging transportation tickets, given that reporting these actions to the authorities may lead to imprisonment in a non-Muslim country?
It is not permissible for a Muslim to cheat or unlawfully take others' property. If a Muslim repents of theft before the matter is brought before the ruler, the punishment is waived for them, based on Allah's saying: "Except for those who repent before you apprehend them. And know that Allah is Forgiving and Merciful," and the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) saying: "The one who repents from sin is like one who has no sin." Therefore, you are not obligated to confess to the authorities; sincere repentance is sufficient for you, along with the obligation to return the money to its owners. It is not a condition to inform them that you were the one who stole it, especially if you fear harm; the important thing is for the money to reach them by any means. If you do not know the exact amount of money, strive to determine it and err on the side of caution. If you do not know the owners of the money, then give it in charity on their behalf.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 20954
- Imported
- Translation status
- Source text, unreviewed
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