Can I Use Stolen Money to Offset My Zakat Payments?

No, stolen money cannot be used to fulfill your Zakat obligation. 

Since Zakat is an act of worship and purification of wealth, it must come from lawful (halal) earnings. Using stolen or unlawfully acquired money for Zakat is not valid, and your obligation to pay Zakat will remain.

Here’s why stolen money cannot be used for Zakat:

• Illegitimate wealth cannot be purified:

Zakat is meant to cleanse your wealth and heart, but money obtained unlawfully cannot serve this purpose. Instead, it must be returned to its rightful owner.

• Zakat must be given from lawful earnings:

The wealth you pay for Zakat should be acquired in a halal manner. If your earnings are tainted with stolen money, that portion should be separated and returned, not used for charity.

• Offsetting Zakat with stolen money is invalid:

If you attempt to use stolen money to pay Zakat, the obligation will not be fulfilled. You will still be required to pay Zakat from lawful earnings.

• Repentance and restitution come first:

Before thinking about charity, it is essential to repent sincerely and return stolen wealth. Seeking forgiveness and making amends is the first step in rectifying the situation.

Using stolen money for Zakat is not permissible in Islam. Instead, focus on earning lawfully, purifying your wealth, and ensuring your Zakat is given from halal sources.

And Allah knows best!