I took a little money from the safe

Q: I am a young man who looks for comfort and happiness. I know that I will not find this except by being upright. However, I am troubled with doing objectionable acts, disobedience, and my involvement in the forbidden acts. May Allah forgive me! My question now is: I have not fasted in Ramadan for three or four years and I have stolen some sheep, sold them and spent the money. I am afraid that if I inform their owners that they will take me to the police; what should I do? Am I obliged to make up for the missed Sawm (Fast)? How should I pay this sum which exceeds 3,500 Riyals? What should I do about the missed Salahs (prayers)? Must I make up for them? I appreciate your guidance, may Allah reward you!

A: He must repent to Allah for the missed Salah and Sawm and he is not obliged to make up for them. Repentance erases previous sins. Abandoning Salah is a major sin of disbelief and when a disbeliever repents, he does not have to make up for missed acts of worship because of the Prophet's statement: Islam effaces previous misdeeds and repentance erases previous sins. He (peace be upon him) also said, The one who repents of a sin is like the one who has never sinned. (Part No. 15; Page No. 379) He also has to repent from stealing and not repeat it again. He must return the money to its owners in a manner that ensures his anonymity May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.