Fatwa

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Wants to repay money he stole 15 years ago but cannot find the person he stole from
Fatwa No: 89762

Question

I promise along with put my hand on the Qur'an, that I was not stolen his 50 rupees Indian before 15 years ago of friend. Know I searching him from 14 years still he is not met. What will be the kaffarah or punishment from Allaah?

Answer

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 is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.

 

If the questioner means that he has stolen the money from his friend and then swore on the Qur'an that he had not done so, then this is indeed a great sin which necessitates repentance to Allaah. Swearing by Allaah or by one of His Attributes to a lie is considered an oath that makes one enter Hellfire and it is one of the great major sins. Allaah says (which means): {And they swear to untruth while they know [they are lying].}[Qur'an 58:14-15]. Besides, the Prophet said: "A person who swears falsely in order to take possession of a Muslim's property unjustly shall face the wrath of Allaah on the Day of Judgement." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

So whoever has sworn to a lie has to do the following:

1)   To repent to Allaah for swearing to a lie. Allaah says (which means): {And all of you beg to Allaah to forgive you all, O believers, that you may be successful.}[Qur'an 24:31]. Whoever repents, Allaah accepts his repentance. Allaah says (which means): {And it is He who accepts repentance from His servants and pardons misdeeds and He knows what you do.}[Qur'an 42:25]. Moreover, the Prophet said:  "Whoever repents before the sun rises from the west, Allaah will accept his repentance." [Muslim] 2)   To give back what you stole to its owner. If this is not possible because its owner is far away or dead, then you have to give it to his heirs, and if this is not possible, then you have to give it in charity on his behalf [i.e. intending the reward for him], and repent to Allaah for stealing the money.

For the conditions or repentance, please refer to Fatwa: 87903.

Allaah knows best.

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