when he concluded a peace agreement with the people of Khaybar on the condition that they surrender their gold, silver, and weapons, he asked one of the Jews—Sa‘yah (1), the uncle of Huyayy ibn Akhtab—about Huyayy ibn Akhtab’s treasure. He replied, “Expenditures and wars have depleted it.” The Prophet said, “Only a short time has passed, and the wealth was far greater than that.” The Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) then handed Sa‘yah over to al-Zubayr, who subjected him to punishment. Sa‘yah said, “I saw Huyayy frequenting a ruin here.” They went and searched the area, and found the hide containing the treasure in the ruin.

This man was a protected non-Muslim, and it is unlawful to punish a protected non-Muslim except by right. Likewise, anyone who conceals something that must be disclosed—whether information he is duty-bound to provide or anything else—is punished (2) for neglecting that obligation.

As for whatever officials entrusted with public funds (3), or others, wrongfully take from the Muslims’ wealth (4), a just governing authority may recover it from them. This includes gifts they receive because of their office. Abū Sa‘īd al-Khudrī (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Gifts to public officials are embezzlement.” (5)