Does charity purify ill-gotten wealth if it intermingles with a person's lawful money, and they give charitably in abundance, whether intentionally or not?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
Unlawful wealth is of two types: The first is that which was taken by theft, usurpation, and the like. This must be returned to its owners if they are known; otherwise, it should be given as charity with the intention of repaying it if one becomes able. This also includes the excess taken by a usurer on a loan.
The second type is wealth that is unlawful due to its earning, such as the price of alcohol or gambling. What is obligatory is to give its equivalent amount and spend it on general Muslim welfare or on the poor and needy. The one who gives it out is not considered to be giving charity.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/84814
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- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 84814
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy