Dear Mufti, I am a Britihs male from a Christian background and through searching I am interested in entering Islam. However, in my younger days I had a habit of stealing books and some other items from various department stores or vendors. I can not recall most of it or where or when I did this, although some of it I can.
I know if I enter Islam I need to repay debts but I am unsure of the best way to go about this with the situation as described. I am also worried if I enter Islam and do not resolve the situation immediately I will be sinning.
What is my best course of action according to Islam?
Many thanks.
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
As-salaamu `alaykum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh.
Respectable brother,
It is pleasing to know that you intend to accept Islaam. It is a great bounty from Almighty Allah that He has inspired you to accept Islaam. You should do so as soon as possible. May Allah guide you to the right path and grant you steadfastness on it. Almighty Allah mentions in the Quraan:
{وَمَنْ يُؤْمِنْ بِاللَّهِ وَيَعْمَلْ صَالِحًا يُدْخِلْهُ جَنَّاتٍ تَجْرِي مِنْ تَحْتِهَا الْأَنْهَارُ خَالِدِينَ فِيهَا أَبَدًا} [الطلاق: 11]
“Whoever believes in Allah and does righteous actions, He (Allah) will admit him in paradise beneath which are flowing rivers. He shall dwell therein forever”. (Sura Talaaq, Verse 11)
It is mentioned in a Hadith:
أَنَّ الْإِسْلَامَ يَهْدِمُ مَا كَانَ قَبْلَهُ
صحيح مسلم (1/112)
“Indeed Islaam obliterates all sins that were committed before it (before accepting Islaam)” (Saheeh Muslim 112/1).
Accepting Islaam is a means of success in this world as well as in the hereafter.
You mention you unjustly took people’s possessions when you were young and you are worried of being sinful. The concern of being righteous in itself is a great blessing. It is a sign that Almighty Allah wants good for you.
The solution is very simple, accept Islam. Whatever you have taken and you remember from where you took it, approach the store/shop and return the item or pay its equivalent value.
Whatever you cannot remember, make an estimate of the value of the stolen item and give that amount in charity to the poor and needy.
And Allah Ta`ala Knows Best.
Hussein Muhammad.
Student Darul Iftaa
Arusha, Tanzania
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.