If a thief repents to Allah (Exalted

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Q 5: When a person repents to his Lord (the Exalted and Glorious) and still has financial claims on him which should be returned to people which he stole when he was ignorant of the ruling (on theft), and his financial condition does not permit him to repay them and can not ask them to free him from these charges because of the embarrassment; what should he do? Is the invocation of: "O Allah, You have many due rights..." required to be said. Is this considered a debt for which he will be punished in the grave?

A: You should render these rights to their owners as much as you can by any way you consider appropriate without their knowing that you took them, if you fear the consequences. Debts which you were not able to pay, Allah will pay them on your behalf on the Day of Judgment, if you show sincere repentance. As for the owners of rights whom you do not know, you should give the value of their rights to the poor, the needy, or some charitable projects on behalf of their owners when you are able to pay. We ask Allah to accept your repentance and help you to repay these debts during your lifetime. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.