Topic: Unjustly Acquired Wealth During Childhood
✿ If Property Was Taken Unjustly in Childhood
If a person unjustly took someone’s wealth during childhood, then the following rulings apply:
✿ When the Owner is Known
① The property must be returned to its rightful owner.
② One must also apologize for any inappropriate behavior associated with it.
③ If the owner reacts negatively, his reaction is justified.
✔ If the original owner has passed away, then the property must be delivered to the rightful heirs.
✿ When the Owner is Unknown
① One should intend to return it on the owner’s behalf,
② Then give the amount in charity.
③ The individual must also repent sincerely from such actions.
✿ Key Points
✔ Taking people’s wealth without consent is haram, and considered a form of injustice and transgression.
✔ The person must repent, and ensure that the wealth is either returned or given in charity if returning is not possible.
✔ If the person is financially unable, then by giving it in charity with the intention of absolving the responsibility, he is relieved from liability.
Source:
[al-Fawzān: al-Muntaqā, 319]
