The ruling on goods bought with unlawful money

Question

Question: Zayd was in employment; his extra income (over and above his salary) was greater than his salary. He kept both his wives with him. In those days Zayd bought warm and light clothes, for example a coat, warm kurtas (long loose shirts), wraps and the like, and other articles of adornment, and he spent on these wives for food and other frivolous things, but the salary money was not sufficient for these expenses.

Answer

Whatever money he acquired by unlawful means, he should gradually return to the owner; if the owner is not known, he should keep giving it as sadaqa to the poor with the intention (of reward) for him; and until halal money becomes available he may keep using these clothes, and should also keep seeking forgiveness (istighfar).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.