Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Dear Brother

I searched the net to find the Islamic law for stealing for children. I could not find it. Can you please let us know what are the Islamic  rulings or punishment given to children for stealing. Is it same as for adults? Can you please clarify with reference to Hadith and Quran.

May Allah (swt) rewards you for you good work.

Allah hafiz.

Abdul Rahim.

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Answer:

Punishment for children who steal

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is none worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad (saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Dear and beloved brother, the principle in Islam is that all the laws of Shariah apply on an individual only after one has reached the age of understanding and adulthood.

If a child who has not yet reached the age of understanding and puberty is caught stealing, there is no punishment which can be prescribed on the child in Shariah….but what the Judge can do is demand that the property that was stolen by the child be returned to the rightful owner, or in case the stolen property is consumed or destroyed, the rightful owner of the property is duely compensated for his loss by the guardians of the child.

In the event that it is proven in a court of law the child stole at the behest of an adult, then that adult will be held responsible and punished according to his complicity in the crime.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me alone. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your brother and well wisher in Islam,

Burhan