Allah has forbidden. The one who strives in Allah’s cause is one who strives against his own self for Allah’s sake.” This is an authentic hadith, parts of which appear in the Sahīh collections of al-Bukhārī and Muslim, and parts in Sunan al-Tirmidhī.

He, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, also said:

“Whoever takes people’s wealth intending to repay it, Allah will repay it on his behalf; whoever takes it intending to squander it, Allah will bring him to ruin.”

Narrated by al-Bukhārī.

Since Allah has made it obligatory to return trusts lawfully received, this also indicates the obligation to restore property seized by force, stolen, or obtained through betrayal or similar wrongdoing. Borrowed property must likewise be returned.

The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, delivered a sermon during the Farewell Pilgrimage, in which he said:

“Borrowed property must be returned, property granted for use must be given back, debts must be repaid, and a guarantor is liable for payment. Allah has given everyone their due, so no bequest may be made to an heir.”

This category applies to both rulers and subjects: each must render to the other whatever is due. The ruler and his deputies responsible for disbursements must give everyone their due. Revenue collectors, such as the officials of the administrative bureaux, must deliver to the ruler whatever must be paid to him. The same applies to subjects who owe such dues.

Subjects have no right to demand from those administering public funds anything to which they are not entitled, thereby becoming like those of whom Allah Most High says:

“And among them are those who criticize you concerning the charitable funds. If they are given some, they are pleased; but if they are not given any, they become angry.”

“If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger had given them and had said, ‘Allah is sufficient for us. Allah will give us of His bounty, and so will His Messenger. To Allah alone we turn with hope.’”

Then He, glorified be He, explained who is entitled to these funds