Question: A woman asks that she comes from a poor family, her husband does not earn, her parents have passed away, and her in-laws tell her to ask her siblings for help. She had nothing, so out of necessity, she stole twenty thousand rupees from her mother-in-law. She says she feels very remorseful and asks Allah for forgiveness. She has no money to return to her mother-in-law because no one gives her any. Will Allah forgive her, or does she have to repay the money at all costs?
Answer: Stealing is a very heinous trait and a sin for which the hand is cut off, making the criminal a lifelong example for others. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated that a woman from the Makhzum tribe (Fatimah bint Aswad) committed theft during the conquest of Makkah. The Quraysh were concerned about her case and discussed who could speak to the Prophet (peace be upon him) about it. They decided that Usama bin Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him) was the only one who could dare to do so because he was very dear to the Prophet (peace be upon him). When Usama (may Allah be pleased with him) spoke to the Prophet (peace be upon him) about it, he said, “O Usama! Are you interceding to violate one of Allah’s laws?” Then he stood up and addressed the people, saying, “The people before you were destroyed because they used to inflict the legal punishments on the poor and forgive the rich. By Him in Whose Hand my soul is! If Fatimah (the daughter of Muhammad) did that (i.e., stole), I would cut off her hand.” (Sahih Bukhari: 3775)
This incident serves as a great lesson for thieves, emphasizing that no matter how desperate one is, they should not steal. It is better to beg from people than to steal. The woman who stole her mother-in-law’s money should confess to her mother-in-law. If she forgives her, then she will be forgiven. However, merely seeking forgiveness in her heart will not absolve her of the rights of others. Allah will hold her accountable in the Hereafter. Therefore, she should inform her mother-in-law and seek her forgiveness to resolve the matter.
Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi ❪Jeddah Dawah Center, Hayy Al-Salamah – Saudi Arabia❫
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