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Fatwa CenterSuspecting that landlord steals electricity
Question
Assalaamu alaykum wa rahmatullaah. I currently rent a room, and I think that the owner of the room in which I live steals electricity, as he provides me with proper heating along with warm water. I personally think that it is unlikely that he is not involved in the theft of electricity. What should I do in this situation? I am not one hundred percent sure that he actually steals electricity. Should I take it easy on myself and not investigate the matter further? I also pay him for for the services. I think that in principle everything is halal unless it is proven otherwise. I hope that you will help me in this situation as I do not want to consume haram. What should I do? Should I remain as I am, and if the owner of the room room steals electricity, then that is his problem and he will be punished if he steals electricity? Electricity theft is a widespread phenomenon here. Please help me out. May Allaah reward us abundantly.
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, the transactions of people are valid and permissible unless there is evidence which proves otherwise.
Ma’lamat Al-Qawaa’id Al-Fiqhiyyah wal-Usooliyyah reads, “Rule: In principle, contracts are considered valid. Meaning of the rule: the principle in contracts that are held between people is that they are considered valid and correct as much as possible until proven otherwise, so if a contract is between validity and invalidity, and there is doubt about it, and there is no factor that makes one outweigh the other (i.e. the validity or invalidity), then it is ruled that the contract is valid until proven otherwise.” [Abridged]
Therefore, based on the principle, there is no harm on you to benefit from the electricity that is connected to that room, unless you believe or predominantly think that the electricity is stolen, then in that case, it is not permissible to use that electricity. But just doubting this is of no effect.
Finally, we warn you against Waswasah (obsessive doubts), and we advise you to repel and ignore them.
Allah knows best.
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