Using money that was given to one to keep as an amaanat (trust)
Question
I would like to find out about some money someone gave me to look after.
Now I have used some of it for myself and haven’t told them. But in my mind I know that I have it and will return it when they ask for it. Is this ok, or should I have asked their permission before using it?
Also, I have put some of the money in an Islamic bank which gives some profit. My question is do I have to give them the profit as well as the money they lent me or just what they originally gave?
Answer
It was not permissible for you to use the money as it was given to you as an amaanat (trust). If you wished to use it, then you were required to take permission from the owner. You should replace the amount which you had taken and you should inform the owner that you had used the money and thereafter replaced it. You should also ask the owner for forgiveness for using his amaanat without his permission.
And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
- Answered by
- Mufti Zakaria Makada
- Checked & approved by
- Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)
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