Islam Question and Answer - Stealing phone time from a kaafir state

Thu 13/7/1434 - 23/5/2013

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Etiquette, Morals and Heart-Softeners » Character and Morals » Bad behaviour
Principles of Fiqh » Jurisprudence and Islamic Rulings » Transactions » Forbidden Kinds of Wealth

Stealing phone time from a kaafir state

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I decided to ask about a phenomenon that is widespread in this country, and people are confused as to whether it is halaal or haraam. The issue is stolen phone time. There are a lot of Arab students in this country and each one of them has to make overseas calls. Because the cost of making overseas calls is very high, they have all started to go to places where using the telephones is much cheaper than usual. The reason for that is that these phones are connected to phones belonging to individuals living in this country or they belong to the government. Many people justify this by saying that the government is not Muslim and is hostile towards Islam and Muslims, so we are entitled, indeed obliged, to corrupt their economy. So they regard this as permissible if the phones belong to the government.

Praise be to Allaah.

It is not permissible for you to transgress against the property of this government even if they are kaafirs, because they have trusted you and have allowed you to enter their land on the basis of this trust, and you have promised to respect their trust and not betray it. Simply by entering their land you have given them this covenant and promise, otherwise they would not have allowed you to enter. The Muslim should not break his promise or covenant deceitfully or betray a trust. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“And fulfil (every) covenant. Verily, the covenant will be questioned about”

[al-Isra’ 17:34]

“O you who believe! Fulfil (your) obligations”

[al-Maa'idah 5:1]

And the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies, when he makes a promise he breaks it, and when he is entrusted with something, he betrays that trust.” Agreed upon; narrated from Abu Hurayrah. Muslim added: “… even though he prays and fasts and claims to be a Muslim.”

And Allaah is the Source of strength. May Allaah send blessings and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad and his family and companions.

From Fataawa al-Lajnah al-Daa’imah li’l-Ifta’, 23/446.