What is the Islamic ruling regarding dealing with repeated thefts in a store? Are the thieves only liable for the value of the stolen goods, or is it permissible to multiply it? Should they be handed over to the authorities? And is it permissible to raise product prices to compensate for the losses?
Theft is not punishable if the thief was compelled by necessity for essentials like food, drink, and clothing, and could not find anything to provide these for him. This is because feeding the hungry is a communal obligation (fard kifaya), and it becomes an individual obligation (fard ayn) if no one else fulfills it. As for someone who was not compelled, or stole luxuries, or stole despite having the means to purchase, the stolen item should be reclaimed from him or he should be made to pay its value without any increase, along with advising him and concealing his act. However, if this recurs, his matter should be brought before those who can restrain him. There is no harm in raising the prices of displayed goods to compensate for thefts.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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