takes it (1) intending to squander it, Allah will destroy him.” Narrated by al-Bukhārī (2).
If Allah Most High has required that trusts lawfully received be returned, this indicates (3) that property taken through usurpation, theft, breach of trust, and similar injustices must likewise be returned, as must borrowed property. During the Farewell Pilgrimage, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, (5) delivered a sermon (4) in which he said: “Borrowed property must be returned; an animal lent for its milk must be returned; debts must be paid; and a guarantor is liable. Allah has given everyone entitled to a right his due, so no bequest may be made to an heir” (6).
This category applies to rulers (7) and subjects alike. Each must render to the other whatever is due to them. Every holder of authority and the deputies responsible for disbursements must give everyone entitled to a right his due, while revenue collectors—such as officials of the fiscal bureau—must deliver to every person entitled