Getting rid of ill-gotten money as a condition for making Tawbah

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Q 3: A person used to earn a living illegally by teaching music and playing in night clubs and dancing halls. After a while he quit this job and returned to Allah in repentance. Is it obligatory upon him to give up the money he earned through these unlawful means as a condition for his repentance? How could he dispose of this money? It is worth mentioning that he is willing to give it all away. Does it make a difference if he is ready or not to give up this money, and whether he is self-sufficient or not?

A: If he was a disbeliever at the time of earning his living in this manner and then repented sincerely to Allah, Allah will forgive him and it is not necessary to get rid of the money he earned before his Islam. Allah (Exalted be He) states: Say to those who have disbelieved, if they cease (from disbelief), their past will be forgiven. If he was a Muslim at the time and then he repented to Allah, it is a pre-condition (Part No. 24; Page No. 302) to get rid of these illegal gains by spending it in righteous ways as this is proof of his sincere repentance.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.