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Fatwa CenterBuying a stolen item knowingly
Question
Me and my non-Muslim friend went to electronic store he bought stereo amplify and a lot more, but he used other people's credit cart (scam) I was with him and I know it, after that we got out. The question is when we got out I bought the amplify from my non-Muslim back for $200.00 and now I still have that amplify @ home and I know it is a sin, so how am I want do with this amplify. And I really want to repent to Allaah The Most High. May Allaah forgive me and you.
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.
It is forbidden to buy something which is known to be stolen, or to buy something with stolen money whether the seller is a Muslim or a non-Muslim. Imaam As-Shaafi'ee
said: 'It is absolutely forbidden to buy something which a person knows that it is forbidden or buy it with forbidden money, this applies to a Muslim, a non-Muslim under Muslim rule, or a person who is fighting against Islam; all what is forbidden, is forbidden.'
A person who buys something which he knows to be stolen, is indeed sinful like the thief. It is reported that the Prophet 
said: "Whoever buys something stolen while knowing that it is stolen, then he has indeed shared in its shame and sin."
Therefore, you are obliged to repent to Allaah from this sin.
As regards the stereo amplifier, you are obliged either to give it back or give its value back to its owner, whether the owner is the shop where it is taken from or the original owner of the credit card which is used by the impostor you mentioned in your question. Then, you would ask your money back from the impostor. Imaam Maalik said: 'The stolen item should be taken from the buyer and the latter will ask his money back from the thief.'
Finally, it is forbidden for you to take this non-Muslim thief and impostor as a friend. The Prophet said: "Do not keep company except with a believer [a Muslim]." [Ahmad]
Allaah Knows best.
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