My Uncle came to visit me with his family.We had then went to mosque and my wife went for a shower. After they had left we noticed my wallet and my wife wedding ring had been stolen. I had phoned him immediately and he did not believe me.He was on his way to a flee market. I had then received a call from the flea market security company saying that they had found my wallet. I had went to collect it and called my uncle he said he would call me back and never did. My father got extremely upset and went to his house. My uncle had then confessed that his wife had stollen the ring and wallet but he does not know how to get the ring back as she does not want to give it. They have money as every weekend they stay in expensive hotels. My mother says I should forgot about it and buy my wife another ring ? What should I do? My uncle knows where the ring is but does not want to give it to me ? also they have money as they stay in hotels all the time ? Please tell me what should I do…..
If your uncle’s wife stole your wife’s ring, then she has committed a major sin. In one Hadith, Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) says, ?A person does not steal whilst he/she is a believer.? (Bukhari). Abdullah ibn Abbas (Radhiallaahu Anhu) explains the above quoted Hadith that the light and noor of Imaan comes out of the heart when committing such a sin. (Ibid)
It is indeed unfortunate for a Mu?min to be void and empty of the light of Imaan. Such a heart is filled with darkness which will become manifest on the day of Qiyaamat (judgment) when every individual will be in dire need for the light of Imaan for eternal salvation. To be void of the light of Imaan on the day of Qiyaamat leads one to eternal destruction in hell. May Allah Ta’ala save us from that, aameen.
A dweller in hell will offer his entire worldly possessions to be freed from hell and it will not be accepted. Does it behove a person to go to hell just for a ring? In principle, if the thief has the actual stolen item by him or her, it must be returned. If he/she does not have the item, the thief must recompensate the owner the value of the item.
In an Islamic state, if the thief is convicted of Saraqa (stealing), then his/her hand (wrist) will be severed. Such a hand does not hold any value. The respect for people’s wealth is an integral part of our Deen. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised in his farewell hajj, ?Behold, the wealth of others is prohibited upon you, like the sanctity of this place (Makkah), this day (10 Dhul Hijjah).? (Bukhari)
We advise the woman to make Tawbah and return the ring. It is better for her to bear the disgrace in this world, than the punishment in the hereafter. If the woman does not return the ring, we advise your wife makes Sabr. Her stolen ring will be a means of charity and reward for her in the hereafter. Do not take any actions as the woman is a close relative ? uncle’s wife. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ?Whosoever discards a dispute, I guarantee him/her a place in the centre of Jannah.? (Tirmidhi)
and Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ebrahim Desai