Suspecting that gift was stolen

7-11-2017 | IslamWeb

Question:

Assalaamu alaykum, Scholars. I was looking to buy a bycicle to go to the masjid and seek knowledge, but I do not have that much money. Today, I entered a shop or a room that sells used bikes, and I asked about the prices. After a while, the seller spoke to me and told me that he is gifting me a bike as be thinks that I am a good person. I was amazed by this gift from Allah to me, as all the others. However, the fact that the seller is not a religious person (that is what is apparent) and that he buys used things made me ask myself whether they are stolen or not. I do not know whether this is Waswaas (devilish whispers/obsessive doubts) or if it is part of Waraa‘. Is it permisible to accept the gift? In fact, I did. I have no idea where he gets the things which he sells. Should I investigate by asking people who know him etc. I cannot ask him, as I feel too shy to do so. What should I do? In my heart, it feels safer not to accept it, but what could I tell him given that I already accepted it? Please, Scholars, help me.

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Answer:

All perfect praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.

In principle, what is in one's possession is owned by them, so there is no harm on you at all in accepting this gift. There is no need to have bad assumptions and assume that this bicycle might be stolen. You should praise Allah for His blessing on you and benefit from that gift in the obedience to Allah. Ignore Waswaas (obsessive doubts) and illusions and give them no attention at all, as getting carried away with them leads to a great evil.

Allah knows best.