The Shar‘i Ruling on Disposing of Illegally Acquired (Ḥarām) Income
Question:If someone has mistakenly acquired ḥarām income, what should they do with it?
Answer by: Fadhīlat al-Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh❖ Obligation to Dispose of Ḥarām Income
It is mandatory to get rid of ḥarām wealth, and one should not intend reward or compensation for doing so. This wealth has been unlawfully acquired, and Sharīʿah neither permits its retention nor allows it to be wasted. The solution is to divert it into lawful and beneficial channels.
Do Not Destroy the Wealth
Islam and the law prohibit the deliberate destruction of wealth. Therefore:
✔ Burning or throwing away ḥarām income is not permissible.
✔ It must be used in a lawful, non-personal, and beneficial way, to free oneself from it responsibly.
Permissible Ways to Dispose of Ḥarām Income
① Give to a Non-Belligerent Dhimmī (Non-Muslim)
Such funds may be given to a dhimmī non-Muslim, provided he is not hostile or involved in harm against Muslims.
② Assist Those in Financial Hardship or Moral Crisis
This wealth can be used to help:
✔ Individuals stuck in impermissible financial systems, like interest-based debt,
✔ Especially those who are repenting and wish to reform their financial practices.
③ Public Welfare Projects
Using ḥarām wealth in projects of public interest is preferred, such as:
✔ Road and street construction
✔ Public utilities and community services
✔ General maintenance for collective benefit
④ Use Against Oppression
According to some scholars of India, in situations where Muslims face oppression, such wealth may be used strategically to:
✔ Counter oppressive forces
✔ Support Muslims under unjust treatment
Final Ruling:
➤ Ḥarām income must be relinquished, and it should be redirected into permissible, public-benefit uses.
➤ No benefit should be taken from it personally, nor should one expect any spiritual reward.
➤ The sole aim should be to cleanse oneself from the unlawful wealth.
وَاللّٰهُ أَعْلَمُ
