Q: We used to live in a rugged area under severe conditions, such that water was scarcely accessible. One day, I went to fetch water and found a bucket of a woman who filled it then fell asleep waiting for the more water to gather at the bottom of the well in order to fill a second bucket. I poured her water in my bucket and laid it on the edge of the well as if it had spilled on its own and I was innocent. At that time, I did not feel that doing this was forbidden. I took (Part No. 15; Page No. 391) the bucket home and returned to fetch more water. She was still waiting for water and I showed no sign of having knowledge of what had happened and she did not question me. Years have passed and the woman has died, but I never asked her to forgive me or pardon me. I was afraid to tell her lest a dispute may erupt between us. Now I deeply regret this act and it troubles me a great deal. What should I do? Am I obliged to give something in charity on her behalf? Am I sinful, and how can I offer expiation for this? Please advise me? May Allah forgive and give reward us all!