How Should One Correct Misused Grant Money After Dishonesty?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel
Question
Three years ago, I received a government grant meant for buying a mobile or similar device for educational use. I did not purchase anything at the time and submitted a false receipt, but I still have the money. Now, I wish to use it to buy the intended device, though I cannot correct the old record or return the money.
Will using it now fulfill the grant’s purpose, or should I do something else with the money? How can I repent and correct my mistake?
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.
It was wrong of you to submit a false receipt, and you should repent and ask for forgiveness. However, you may use the money for the purpose for which the grant was provided, which is for any of your educational needs.
Mu’awiya ibn Abi Sufyan reported: The Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) said,
“You must be truthful. Verily, it leads to righteousness, and they are both in Paradise. Beware of dishonesty, for it leads to wickedness, and they are both in the Hellfire.” [Tabarani, al-Mu‘jam al-Kabir]
I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. You will receive guidance and direction in sha Allah.
Related
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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.
