When I was young, I stole a sum of money from a person who used to drink alcohol and commit all kinds of sins. I was in need of money, and I told myself that I was worthier of this money as he was spending it unlawfully. I know that what I did was wrong, but whenever I try to tell this man of what I did, I find him drinking alcohol! What should I do? I would like to give him his money back, but I told myself that he does not deserve it (as he is a persistent sinner).

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.

It is impermissible for you to take someone's wealth without his consent, even if he is a faasiq (defiantly disobedient). In fact, this is applicable even to (the wealth of) a disbeliever, as long as he does not belong to a people who are in war with the Muslims. Therefore, you should turn to Allaah, the Exalted, in repentance and give this man his money, even if in an indirect way. As for the sins and wrongdoings that he commits, you should enjoin him to do good and forbid him from doing what is wrong, to the best of your ability.

Allaah Knows best.