Ruling on an Agent Keeping the Remaining Money of the Principal

Authored by: Fatwas of the Saudi Fatwa Committee

It is not permissible for an agent to keep the remaining money from what was entrusted to them for purchasing necessary items, even if the principal is the agent’s own father.

1. Obligation to Return:
   
   • Any leftover money must be returned to the principal (e.g., the father) because it is considered an amanah (trust).
   • Failing to return it violates the command of Allah to fulfill trusts.
2. Evidence from the Qur'an:
   Allah Almighty says:
   
   "إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَأْمُرُكُمْ أَن تُؤَدُّوا الْأَمَانَاتِ إِلَىٰ أَهْلِهَا"
   (Translation: Indeed, Allah commands you to render trusts to their owners.) [An-Nisa: 58]

This highlights the importance of fulfilling trust and returning property to its rightful owner as mandated by Islamic law.

[Reference: Ibn Baz, Majmu' Al-Fatawa wa Al-Maqalat, Vol. 19, Page 322]