A poor widow kept a sum of money

Q: How should a thief return items that were stolen in the past? Some people might be known to them while others are not.

A: A thief should return the items they stole to their owners. If they cannot find them, they should return them to their heirs. If this is difficult to do, they should give them as a Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to the poor on behalf of their owner. If the owner appears later, they should tell them what had happened. If they accept it, it will be fine; otherwise, they should pay them the value of the items, and they will be rewarded for the Sadaqah. (Part No. 15; Page No. 337) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.