And Allah has made provision lawful only for those who use it to help them obey Him, not for those who use it to help them disobey Him. Indeed, even though the latter consume the provision He has guaranteed them, He will punish them, as He says:

“As for whoever disbelieves, I will grant him brief enjoyment, then compel him to the punishment of the Fire. What an evil destination!”

Allah Most High also says:

“Livestock have been made lawful for you, except what is recited to you, but you are not permitted to hunt while in a state of consecration.”

Thus, He has permitted livestock only to those for whom hunting is forbidden during consecration. Allah Most High also says:

“There is no blame on those who believe and do righteous deeds for what they have consumed, provided they fear Allah, believe and do righteous deeds, then fear Allah and believe, then fear Allah and do good. And Allah loves those who do good.”

Thus, although every living being consumes the provision decreed for it, it is nevertheless punished for taking what has not been made lawful for it—whether because it is forbidden in itself or because it is used to aid disobedience to Allah. For this reason, the wealth of the disbelievers is not considered wrongfully seized; rather, it is lawful for the believers. It is called fayʾ (reverted wealth) when it returns to the believers, because wealth rightfully belongs only to those who obey Allah, not to those who use it to disobey Him. The believers therefore take it by virtue of their rightful entitlement, whereas the disbelievers transgress in spending it, just as they transgress in their deeds. When it returns to the believers, it has reverted to them, just as wealth reverts to its rightful owner.