A friend of mine used to work in

Q: I worked in a grocery store in Egypt for a monthly salary. Without the owner's knowledge, I used to take money daily from the revenues of the store to meet my needs. I had, and still have, the intention of paying back the money which totaled LE 1,000. I quitted my job without paying the money back and due to my embarrassing situation, I could not disclose this mistake to the owner who might forgive me or spread it to my family with whom he is related. No one except Allah (Exalted be He) knows of this sin. For two years, I have been in great pain because of this sin which hinders me from performing my acts of worship. I feel that my worship is not accepted until I am purified of this sin. I am a religious committed person - praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds - and this sin is a weak spot in my life. What should I do in this regard? Please enlighten me. Kindly be informed that I have been working in a restaurant in Saudi Arabia for more than a month (Part No. 15; Page No. 390) and I am paid 700 Riyals. I use this payment to cover many costs and needs in Egypt. What is the ruling on this sinful act? May Allah make you a support for Muslims and benefit Islam through you!

A: First, the act you did can be neither permissible nor one of the manners of Muslims. Accordingly, you should repent to and ask Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) to forgive you for doing this act. Second, it is obligatory on you to pay the money back to the owner of the store in the ways that you think are suitable; whether he is informed of this or not. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions!