But if the item or service is itself unlawful, as with a prostitute’s fee or the price of wine, no judgment is issued entitling the recipient to payment before he has received it. If the payer has already handed it over, however, its return is not ordered, for that would assist them in sin by allowing them to retain both the payment and what they received in exchange. This money is not lawful for the prostitute, the wine seller, or others like them; rather, it is to be spent for the benefit of the Muslims.

If the prostitute and the wine seller repent and are poor, they may be given enough of this money to meet their needs. If a person can engage in trade or practise a craft, such as weaving or spinning, he is given enough to serve as working capital. If they borrow some of it to earn a living and do not repay the loan, that is better.

As for someone who gives it in charity because he believes that it is not lawful for him to give it in charity, he is rewarded for doing so. But if he gives it in charity as an owner gives from his own property, Allah does not accept it—for Allah accepts only what is good and lawful. This money is impure, as the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“A prostitute’s fee is impure.”

He was also asked:

About sources of revenue involving zakat and damān arrangements in markets and elsewhere, when payments to them are made by