Is it permissible to steal forbidden items, such as a cigarette pack, a musical instrument, prayer beads, pictures, or a corrupt book, with the intention of distancing its owner from sin and harm, or as a deterrent for them? And is this act considered theft?

It is obligatory to denounce evils such as cigarette packs, musical instruments, obscene pictures, and deviant books, according to one's ability and authority. So, whoever can denounce it with his hand should destroy them, and whoever cannot, should denounce it with his tongue, and if he cannot, then with his heart. The intended meaning of destruction is to remove what prevents their use in forbidden acts, not to destroy the essence of these things, because they can be used after breaking them in a permissible matter. This is the view of Abu Hanifa, the Malikis, and the Shafi'is. Whereas the two companions of Abu Hanifa and the Hanbalis held that whoever destroys these things is not liable. The first opinion is more evident because a Muslim's property is sacred, and if the evil can be removed by breaking, it is not permissible to destroy the essence. The responsible, capable person must break idols, crosses, and musical instruments to remove evil.

It is not permissible for an ordinary person to break musical instruments if doing so would lead to greater harm or discord. As for the use of prayer beads (tasbih), there is a difference of opinion among scholars, and the most evident opinion is the permissibility of their use.