Is it permissible to transfer a mistaken account from a guest room that was agreed upon for free accommodation to another room at a rate of $50 per night, without the administration's knowledge, in order to cover an accounting error that cannot be rectified in the system?

Before considering the specific issue mentioned, a Muslim should bear in mind two fundamental principles established in Islamic law concerning trusts, jobs, and financial authorities over people's rights: First: The great importance of trust in the religion of Allah and the obligation to preserve it. Second: A Muslim's wealth is inviolable; it is not permissible to transgress against it or consume any part of it unjustly.

Therefore, if changing room numbers results in consuming wealth unjustly, whether that is the guest's money or the hotel's money, then it is not permissible. However, if it is merely changing room numbers in the daily ledger to correct an error in writing the room numbers, and it does not result in an overcharge to the client or any loss of the hotel's rights, then the first step is to agree with the management on a mechanism to correct this error. If an agreement is not possible, then it appears permissible to change the room numbers to organize the accounts, in order to avert harm or prevent being held accountable for an unintentional, formal error that did not result in the loss of a right or the unjust consumption of wealth.