of Resurrection. If he has righteous deeds, some of the wronged person’s sins will be taken and laid upon him; then he will be flung into the Fire,” or as the Prophet ﷺ said.

If the usurped item is still in existence, the usurper must return it in the very condition it is in; if it has perished, he must replace it with an equivalent.

Imam al-Muwaffaq said, “The scholars are unanimously agreed that the usurped property must be returned so long as it remains unchanged,” end quote.

He is likewise obliged to return the property together with any increase that has accrued to it, whether the increase is attached or detached, because that growth belongs to the owner just as the principal does.

If the usurper has built on the seized land or planted in it, he must uproot the building and the plants whenever the owner demands, for the Prophet ﷺ said, “The root of an oppressor has no right.” This was narrated by al-Tirmidhi and others, who graded it sound.

If removing them harms the land, he must also pay for the resulting depreciation, and he must clear away every remaining trace of the plantation and construction until the land is returned to its owner in sound condition.

He must furthermore pay rent for the entire period from the time he seized the land until he hands it back—that is, its market rental value—because he wrongfully deprived the owner of its benefit during that time.

If someone usurps an item and holds on to it until its market price drops, then, according to the sound opinion, he is liable for the loss in value.