Taking from donations, charity, and Zakah money

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Q: I used to collect donations, Sadaqah (voluntary charity), and Zakah from people. As I was a man with no income, I used to take some of this money, but I regret doing so now and have made Tawbah (repentance to Allah) for it. After this, I calculated what I took, and found that it was 68,000 Riyals. I am now afraid of Allah for the sin of taking this money. I hope from Allah and then from you for advice as to what I should do. Should I tell those responsible for this money what I did or distribute it in installments according to my salary, which is 1,500 Riyals? And should I pay Zakah on that? Please advise me and may Allah reward you with the best.

A: It is obligatory on you to deliver the money that you took to those you collected it from. You should make Tawbah to Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He). If you cannot repay the money to its owners, you have to give it out as Sadaqah to the poor, as much as you can. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.