Author: Dr. Muhammad Ziya-ur-Rahman A'zami رحمه الله
Topic: Hajj Performed with Illegally Acquired Wealth
It is not permissible for a Muslim to steal wealth and then use it for Hajj, constructing a house, or any similar purpose. This is because Allah the Almighty says:
﴿ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ ﴾
[Al-Baqarah: 188]
“And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly.”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) also said:
"Indeed, Allah is Pure and accepts only that which is pure."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1015/65]
✔ The stolen property must be returned to its rightful owner, and one must absolve oneself from it.
✔ If the owner is known, then returning it is obligatory.
✔ If the stolen wealth has already been spent (e.g., in building a house or performing Hajj), then the equivalent value must be repaid to the owner.
✔ If the owner pardons and permits the usage, then there is no harm.
If the thief does not know the owner, then:
① He must intend to return the stolen amount on the owner's behalf
② He should give it in charity to the needy
③ If the owner later comes forward and demands it, the amount must still be repaid
✔ The Hajj is considered valid, but it is accompanied by sin due to the use of unlawful wealth.
✔ However, if one sincerely repents and fulfills the conditions mentioned above, then it is hoped that Allah will show mercy.
Topic: Hajj Performed with Illegally Acquired Wealth
✿ Performing Hajj with Stolen Wealth
It is not permissible for a Muslim to steal wealth and then use it for Hajj, constructing a house, or any similar purpose. This is because Allah the Almighty says:
﴿ وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ ﴾
[Al-Baqarah: 188]
“And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly.”
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) also said:
"Indeed, Allah is Pure and accepts only that which is pure."
[Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1015/65]
✿ Obligation to Return Stolen Property
✔ The stolen property must be returned to its rightful owner, and one must absolve oneself from it.
✔ If the owner is known, then returning it is obligatory.
✔ If the stolen wealth has already been spent (e.g., in building a house or performing Hajj), then the equivalent value must be repaid to the owner.
✔ If the owner pardons and permits the usage, then there is no harm.
✿ If the Owner Is Unknown
If the thief does not know the owner, then:
① He must intend to return the stolen amount on the owner's behalf
② He should give it in charity to the needy
③ If the owner later comes forward and demands it, the amount must still be repaid
✿ Validity of Hajj in This Case
✔ The Hajj is considered valid, but it is accompanied by sin due to the use of unlawful wealth.
✔ However, if one sincerely repents and fulfills the conditions mentioned above, then it is hoped that Allah will show mercy.
