I have a large sum of haraam money. How should this be disposed?

Answer

There are different categories of haraam money. If the owner of the haraam money is traceable, then it is Waajib (compulsory) to return the money to him/her, e.g. stolen property or interest taken from a debtor; goodwill charged for an empty shop or for a house besides rent. Regarding some types of haraam money, the owners are not traceable, e.g. money won in gambling. It is Waajib to give this type of haraam money to the poor. Bank interest and insurance money are also in this category, i.e. it has to be given to the poor.