Here in Libya, some people claim that robbing the properties of the state is lawful because it does not observe justice in dealing with its citizens. For example, the citizens who belong to the hard working class are not able to seek treatment outside the country while some people would travel abroad to receive treatment for the flu. Recently, a certain group of people were chosen and given cars without money or in return for a nominal amount of money. As for the laypeople, they suffer great toil to earn their livelihood. Please, answer me. May Allaah show mercy to you!

All perfect praise be to Allaah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah and that Muhammad, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, is His slave and messenger.

Properties of the state are, in fact, the property of all people and are inviolable, exactly like that of individuals. It is not permissible to steal them or appropriate them without rights given by the Sharee'ah.

The monopolization of public property or, at least, the greatest share thereof, which is practiced by a certain class of the society is a phenomenon that has become widespread in many countries. This of course constitutes a form of oppression and transgression against the Muslim properties—without a legitimate right.

Despite this being a reality, it does not undermine the inviolability of public property, nor does it justify robbing anything of it.

Huthayfah reported: The Messenger of Allaah, sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said, “Do not be blind followers, saying that if the people are good then we will be good, and if they are unjust then we will be unjust; rather, make up your own minds; if the people are good then be good, but if they are evil then do not be unjust.” [At-Tirmithi]

Although the chain of transmission of this Hadeeth is weak, its meaning is correct. A Muslim individual should fear Allaah Almighty, comply with His commands, and avoid His prohibitions.

One should also be sure of what is with Allaah Almighty and not take the corruption of time, the greed of people, and their vying regarding gathering prohibited wealth a pretext or an excuse for committing violations. Rather, a Muslim individual is required to adhere to religious commitment and uprightness at all times and in all places.  

Allaah Knows best.