What should a person do who has repented from stealing from his neighbors, but does not possess the money to return it, nor does he know its exact amount, and he fears that death may come to him suddenly? Will his deeds be accepted before returning the money, and is it permissible for him to perform 'Umrah if he has the money for it, and what should he do with the things he bought with this money?

Among the conditions for repentance is the restitution of injustices to their rightful owners and seeking their absolution. If the thief is in straitened circumstances, then he should be granted a respite until a time of ease. He is not permitted to commence 'Umrah before settling people's rights unless he obtains their permission. Whatever is found of the stolen items in its original state is to be returned to its owners as it is. As for what has perished or changed, its equivalent or value should be returned through indirect means, without informing them of the theft. The thief's feeling that his acts of worship are not accepted is an indication of the sincerity of his repentance. His acts of worship are valid if they are performed with their pillars and conditions, and their acceptance is a matter of the unseen, which we hope will be granted. He must adhere to his obligatory duties and increase in supererogatory acts and acts of closeness to Allah.