Without Any Justification He Took Another Person's Money
Question :
When I worked as a law enforcement officer, I once helped apprehend a shifty suspect; after binding his hands, I reached into his pockets, found eighty-five silver Riyals, kept the amount, and then spent it for personal benefit, only because I was ignorant and poor. What should I do now to absolve myself of that wrongdoing?
Answer:
If you know who it is that you took from, or if you know someone who knows him, you must search him out, and return the eighty-five silver Riyals to him. If that is not possible, what equals that amount, or whatever the two of you agree upon. If you do not know him and have lost hope of finding him, you can give eighty-five silver Riyals or eighty-five riyals in paper money to charity on his behalf. Suppose that after having given this amount in charity, you find this person you should inform him of what you did, and if he is satisfied, then all is well.
If he protests and asks for his money, you must return it to him, and the reward for the charity you had given becomes yours.
You should ask Allah Almighty for forgiveness, repent to Him, and pray for the person whom you wronged.
Source:
The Permanent Committee
Fatawa Islamiyah, Vol. 7 Page 267
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