What is the ruling on money that a person was unable to pay to American companies (phone, internet, and television bills) due to his financial circumstances, and is it permissible to give that money in charity?
The property of others—whether the owner is Muslim or non-Muslim—must be returned to its owner immediately, because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The hand is responsible for what it takes until it returns it." If it is impossible to return it due to lost or damaged receipts, then it should be given as charity for the benefit of Muslims, accompanied by remorse and repentance.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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