Consumable items at company sites that are moved to another site

387

Q: A company in Makkah Al-Mukarramah (the Highly Honored) has moved to another place that is unknown to me. It left some used items in its shop and I took some very small things from it. I asked some of the shop’s old neighbors about it and they told me that the company had moved to another place four years ago. They told me to take what I needed, so I did take some small things, but I do not feel comfortable about it until I hear your opinion. May Allah protect you.

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, that the things found in the shop (Part No. 15; Page No. 449) are used objects belonging to a company that moved to another place four years ago, you should ask about it. If you find it, tell them which used items you took, even if this is by phone. If the company lets you have them, all praise be to Allah, otherwise these items belong to them and it is not Halal (lawful) for you to keep them as you took them unlawfully. This is the way to clear your conscience. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.