Stole money from a friend: how to return it

Question

Question: I took some rupees out of the pocket of a friend of mine. Now the fear of God has seized me. How should I return it? I am very ashamed.

Answer

Convey the money in any manner to the one from whose pocket you took it — even by (saying): “This sum is a gift (hadiyya) to you from me.” It is not necessary to tell him that you took the money from his pocket; but if you do tell him and admit your mistake, that is the most excellent course.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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