Answer
In the Name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful.
All praise and thanks are due to Allah, and peace and blessings be upon His Messenger.
In this fatwa:
In Islam, taking someone’s item without prior permission is not automatically considered theft, particularly if the owner later shows no objection. This applies especially in close relationships where trust is customary, like between parent and child. However, Islam upholds the value of seeking permission to maintain respect and moral discipline.
Responding to your question, Sheikh Ahmad Kutty, a senior lecturer and an Islamic scholar at the Islamic Institute of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, states:
The Importance of Consent in Islamic Property Rights
In Islam, the concept of property rights is deeply rooted in the principle of consent. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: “It is not lawful for a Muslim to take his brother’s property without his consent.” (Abu Dawud)
This authentic hadith underscores the significance of respecting ownership in Islamic ethics.
When Lack of Objection Doesn’t Mean Theft
If the owner does not mind someone using their property, either because they are lenient, have given implied consent, or approved it later, it is not considered stealing. This is a testament to the strong emphasis on trust in Islamic ethics, especially for minors or close family members, where trust is often a given.
Does a Child Taking Something Count as Stealing?
If a child takes a house key without asking, but the owner, such as a parent, is not upset and regularly allows it, it is not considered stealing. However, it is still better to teach children to ask for permission. This helps build respect for others’ property and good manners.
Key Islamic Guidelines on Respecting Property
However, let us keep these points in mind:
- If the owner does not object and trust exists, it is not theft.
- Islam encourages seeking permission, even for small things, to promote respect and ethical behavior. Allah says: {O you who believe, do not consume one another’s wealth unjustly…} (An-Nisa’ 4:29)
- And always strive for clear communication and mutual respect when sharing spaces and belongings.
For supplemental reading, consult these fatwas:
- A Father Giving His Son’s Properties to Another: Permissible?
- Can Landowners Sell Property to Pay for Hajj?
- Knowingly Buying Stolen Property: Permissible?
- Is Using Pirated Software Haram?
Almighty Allah knows best.