Is a Muslim thief preferred over a trustworthy disbeliever? And what is the ruling concerning a disbeliever who has only heard about Islam and knows nothing more about it than its existence? And is he excused by ignorance if he dies upon his religion, knowing nothing about the fundamentals of Islam?

Theft is a sin detested by Allah, His Messenger, and the believers. However, disbelief (kufr) and denying the Messengers are greater sins. A Muslim disobedient through theft is disliked to the extent of his disobedience, while the essence of love for him remains due to his faith. As for the disbeliever, there is no comparison between him and the believer, for Allah does not forgive that partners be associated with Him, but He forgives anything less than that to whomever He wills. Dealing with a trustworthy person for worldly benefit does not mean that a disbeliever is better than a disobedient Muslim. And the disbeliever who heard about Islam and died upon disbelief will be in the Fire.