Unlawful Acquisition of People's Wealth

Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rehman Azmi, may Allah have mercy on him

Eating Haram (Unlawful) Wealth: A Cause for Entering Hellfire​

Consuming unlawful wealth is a cause of entering the Hellfire. Unlawful wealth refers to money acquired through violating others' rights. This includes wealth obtained through bribery, deceit in business, trading in prohibited items such as alcohol, pork, cigarette selling, bribery income, theft, robbery, and other unlawful sources. Many texts from the Quran and Hadith warn against this.

Quranic Verses and Their Warnings​

"And do not consume one another's wealth unjustly or send it [in bribery] to the rulers in order that [they might aid] you to consume a portion of the wealth of the people in sin, while you know [it is unlawful]." [Al-Baqarah: 188]

"Indeed, those who consume the wealth of orphans unjustly are only consuming fire into their bellies, and they will be burned in a Blaze." [An-Nisa: 10]

Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) on Haram Wealth​

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The flesh that grows from haram (unlawful) sources is more deserving of the fire." [Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith 614]

Imam At-Tirmidhi (may Allah have mercy on him) said: This Hadith is hasan gharib (good but rare), and we know it only through this chain of narration.

Repentance and Rectification​

Therefore, anyone involved in unlawful actions should repent. If the wealth was stolen, taken unjustly, or gained through usury, it should be returned to its rightful owner. If the owner or their heirs are unknown, one should make an intention and give charity on their behalf.

[Permanent Committee: 20444]