Performing sincere Tawbah, the

Q: A few years ago our city had some demonstrations which were accompanied by ruining foundations and companies and the usurpation of their possessions. I joined these demonstrations and took some books and Mus-hafs (copies of the Arabic Qur'an). However, when I started to learn Islam and abide by its law I came to know that destructive demonstrations are impermissible. I hope that your Eminence will tell me what I should do with these books; especially the Mus-hafs? Thank you. May Allah reward you with the best.

A: You have to return the things that you took unjustly; it is impermissible for you to possess or avail from them. If you know the people to whom these things are due, you have to return their things to them. Otherwise, you have to get rid of these things by putting these books and Mus-hafs in a place were people can benefit from (Part No. 15; Page No. 368) them such as libraries of Masjids (mosques), Masjids, public libraries, etc. Moreover, you have to make sincere Tawbah (repentance to Allah), not commit this bad deed again, refer to Allah Alone (Glorified be He), make yourself busy with acts of obedience to Him, offer more voluntary worships, and make a lot of Istighfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah) so that Allah may forgive you, accept your Tawbah, and close your deeds with the best thereof. Besides, we advise you along with every male and female Muslim to stay away from these rabble-rousing demonstrations which do not respect people's properties, souls, or lineages and which do not have any relationship with true Islam. Staying away from such demonstrations safeguards the Muslims' religious and worldly affairs and secures their souls, lineages, and properties. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.