Does Giving Gifts Replace Returning Stolen Money?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
I used 5000 rupees from my uncle’s wedding funds for myself without his permission. Later, I gave gifts worth that amount to his family, but didn’t intend to repay it. Must I return the money and inform him?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.
I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.
Yes, you should return the ₹5000 and inform your uncle. Using his wedding funds without permission breaches trust, regardless of later gifts, which don’t erase the wrongdoing. Being honest restores trust and is the right thing to do.
‘Abdullah bin’ Amr bin al-‘As (Allah be pleased with them) said: The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“Whosoever possesses these four characteristics is a sheer hypocrite; and anyone who possesses one of them possesses a characteristic of hypocrisy till he gives it up. (These are:) When he is entrusted with something, he proves dishonest; when he talks, he tells a lie; when he makes a covenant, he acts treacherously; and when he quarrels, he utters foul language”. [Bukhari, Muslim]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. Insha’Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.
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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received a traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.
