Question
If a person’s property is stolen, can he take revenge by stealing? And if he does not take revenge, is it permissible or forbidden to buy the same item from the thief at its original price?
Answer
Taking revenge for theft by stealing is not permissible and is forbidden, because theft itself is a forbidden act, even if done as retaliation or revenge. Allah Almighty has given a clear ruling regarding theft:
﴿وَالسّارِقُ وَالسّارِقَةُ فَاقطَعوا أَيدِيَهُما…….٣٨﴾
“And the male thief and the female thief, cut off their hands.”
Permissible way to recover property from the thief
- Approach the court or responsible committee: If the thief is identified and the stolen property is found with him, the correct way to recover the property is to:
Contact the court or a responsible committee.
- Try to recover your property through legal means.
Ruling on buying goods from the thief
When it is not known that the property is stolen:
If something is bought from a thief and the buyer does not know that it is stolen property, then there is no harm in this transaction.
The intention of the buyer is lawful, and the thief’s crime will not affect this matter.
When it is known that the property is stolen:
- If it becomes known that the property is stolen, then buying such goods is unlawful and forbidden.
- The following issues are included in this:
Encouragement of the thief: It supports the act of theft.
- Cooperation in sin: It promotes forbidden acts like theft.
In such a case, advise the thief to repent and arrange to return the goods to the original owner.
Summary:
- Taking revenge for theft by stealing is absolutely forbidden.
- If stolen property is bought unknowingly, the purchase is permissible, but once it is known, buying such property is unlawful.
- It is necessary to encourage the thief to repent and try to return the goods to the owner.
واللہ اعلم بالصواب
