Is Stealing Permissible Under a Non-Islamic Government? – Shar‘i Answer
(Taken from: Aḥkām wa Masā’il – Issues of Buying & Selling, vol. 1, p. 384)
❖ Question:
Since the present government and its system are non-Islamic and impose numerous taxes upon us, is it permissible to steal from such a government? For example:
- Traveling on the railway without a ticket
- Stealing electricity
- Or similar acts?
❖ Answer:
Alḥamdulillāh, waṣ-ṣalātu was-salāmu ‘alā Rasūlillāh, ammā ba‘d:
The current system of governance is partly Islamic and partly non-Islamic. Regarding such situations, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ has given a clear instruction:
Hadith:
«أَدِّ الْأَمَانَةَ إِلٰی مَنِ ائْتَمَنَکَ ، وَلاَ تَخُنْ مَنْ خَانَکَ»
(Tirmidhī – Abwāb al-Buyū‘, 1/239; Abū Dāwūd – Kitāb al-Buyū‘, Bāb fī al-Rajul Ya’khudh Ḥaqqahu min Taḥta Yadih; al-Mustadrak al-Ḥākim)
Translation:
“Fulfill the trust of the one who entrusts you, and do not betray the one who betrays you.”
❖ Explanation:
- Even if the government imposes unfair taxes or commits injustices, it is not permissible for the citizens to commit theft or fraud in return.
- Examples of such prohibited actions include:
◈ Traveling on the railway without a ticket
◈ Stealing electricity
◈ Any act that falls under betrayal or dishonesty
These actions are prohibited in Sharī‘ah and also reflect a moral weakness. A Muslim is required to remain trustworthy and honest under all circumstances.
❖ Conclusion:
✘ It is not permissible to steal or cheat a government, even if it is non-Islamic or unjust in taxation.
✔ A Muslim must always uphold honesty and trustworthiness.
ھذا ما عندي والله أعلم بالصواب
