Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi رحمه الله
Theft is absolutely forbidden (ḥarām) in Islam, regardless of:
The prohibition is general and applies in all cases without exception.
① Punishment for Theft:
﴿وَالسَّارِقُ وَالسَّارِقَةُ فَاقْطَعُوا أَيْدِيَهُمَا﴾
[Al-Mā’idah: 38]
"As to the thief, male or female, cut off their hands..."
② Prohibition of Consuming Wealth Unlawfully:
﴿وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ﴾
[Al-Baqarah: 188]
"And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly."
These verses demonstrate the absolute prohibition of theft and financial injustice, regardless of the context or status of the governing authority.
[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 6800]
❖ Ruling on Theft from a Government That Does Not Implement Shariah
Theft is absolutely forbidden (ḥarām) in Islam, regardless of:
- Whether it involves individuals or governments,
- And whether the government rules by Shariah or not.
The prohibition is general and applies in all cases without exception.
Qur’anic Evidences
① Punishment for Theft:
﴿وَالسَّارِقُ وَالسَّارِقَةُ فَاقْطَعُوا أَيْدِيَهُمَا﴾
[Al-Mā’idah: 38]
"As to the thief, male or female, cut off their hands..."
② Prohibition of Consuming Wealth Unlawfully:
﴿وَلَا تَأْكُلُوا أَمْوَالَكُم بَيْنَكُم بِالْبَاطِلِ﴾
[Al-Baqarah: 188]
"And do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly."
These verses demonstrate the absolute prohibition of theft and financial injustice, regardless of the context or status of the governing authority.
✔ Summary of Islamic Principle
- Theft is a major sin under all circumstances.
- The implementation of Shariah by the state does not alter the sinfulness of stealing from its property.
- A Muslim is required to maintain integrity and justice even in unjust systems, and cannot justify theft on the basis of political or religious disagreement.
[Al-Lajnah al-Dā’imah: Fatwa no. 6800]
