Ruling on Ghulul

The first question of Fatwa no. 17681 For almost thirty years, my father worked for a company, but has now retired. In the company, he worked in the department of carpentry and would take some carpentry tools owned by the company to his house without notifying them. However, Your Honor , tools such as hammers, saws, many nails and the like are still in his house till now. My father deems taking such tools lawful as all those who own (Part No. 12; Page No. 37) the workshop are the Jews contracting with the company. Actually, he is completely convinced that his behavior is justified. Your Honor, answer my question promptly, may Allah reward you, so that I can answer my father and convince him of your view.

A: Your father must return the tools to the abovementioned company unless it approves of it, even if they are disbelievers. This is because they are given protection in Muslim countries. Moreover, their property is inviolable subject to this protective covenant and thus may not be encroached upon unjustly.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.