I hope my brothers can help me with my question. In the past, I stole several times, knowing that I gained nothing from it except sins. This was all due to a lack of faith and understanding of this serious matter. I have now become a different person, repented to Allah, and want to continue on the path of faith. However, my conscience constantly torments me, and I want to atone, but I do not want those people to know that I stole from them to avoid exposing myself. Please help me with what I should do for atonement and how?
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1 Answer
Peace be upon you. The great Ayatollah Khamenei (may Allah protect him) states: "Injustice refers to the property or possessions of others that a person has taken without right, whether intentionally or out of ignorance, but later realizes it. It must be returned or compensated to its rightful owners in any possible way, even to their heirs after their death, or by seeking forgiveness from them. In any case, if forgiveness is not possible and one is unable to return it, they should pay it back when they are able, even by bequeathing it upon their death to be paid from their estate." Source: Special Inquiry. The great Ayatollah Sistani (may Allah protect him) states: "If one is confident that the person from whom they stole is now satisfied, then there is nothing upon them. Otherwise, if they are not sure of their satisfaction, they are liable and must return the stolen item or its equivalent to them, even by placing it in their house when they are able to do so." Source: Official website.