State Property: Respecting Ownership Rights in Non-Islamic Countries and Proper Use of Public Facilities

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

State Property: Respecting Ownership Rights in Non-Islamic Countries and Proper Use of Public Facilities

English:

Question #1945:

In non-Islamic countries, is it obligatory to respect the ownership rights, whether those of the state or individuals? Is it permissible to make use of the facilities available at the learning centers in avenues other than those they are legally provided for?

Answer #1945:

The rules that respect for the property of others is obligatory and that it is ḥarām to use it unless with the consent of the owner are general. There should be no distinction between public property and personal one. Nor should there be any distinction between Muslim land and non-Muslim land. By the same token, whether the owner is Muslim or non-Muslim is immaterial. Generally speaking, forbidden use of, and involvement in, the property of others amounts to usurpation and commission of a ḥarām act. The user is liable for payment of compensation.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of State Property