while bearing liability. If, however, he knows that they have been wrongfully seized but no specific owner is known, there is disagreement concerning them. The stronger view is that working in them is permissible if the worker takes only the wages for his work, for he will then have wronged no one in any way. In any event, putting them to use is better than leaving them idle. This applies if they can be restored to their owners; otherwise, they are to be devoted to the public interests of the Muslims. An unknown owner is treated as nonexistent. But if the land is known to belong to a specific owner from whom it was taken unjustly, it must not be worked without his permission or that of his guardian or agent. And Allah knows best.

He was asked:

About people required to collect levies from the townspeople: if they apportion the demands equally among the people, while themselves being subjected to this injustice, do they incur any sin?

He replied:

Rather, these levies demanded of people, whether rightfully or wrongfully, must be apportioned justly. It is unlawful to spare some people their share and place it upon others. Whoever undertakes this task intending to uphold justice, alleviate oppression as far as possible, and assist the weak so that they are not repeatedly wronged, without intending to assist the oppressor, is like one who fights in Allah’s cause—provided that he earnestly pursues justice and seeks the countenance of Allah.