Question 003: Can Individuals holding positions within an Islamic center, who have been proven to have stolen large sums of its donations for their own personal benefits, retain their positions involving the management of an Islamic Center?
Answer 003: If you become sure with the reliance on trustworthy proofs that they have stolen those donations for their own personal benefits, they can no longer hold such important positions. They have to return all donations back and truly repent from committing such capital sin.
You need to tell the board of trustees and demonstrated them the reliable proofs. Thus, this is a responsibility toward the board whether to let them hold the positions or not.
In the holy Quran Allah (swt) says: “But whoever repents after his wrongdoing, and reforms, then Allah shall accept his repentance. Indeed Allah is all-forgiving, all-merciful. Do you not know that to Allah belongs the kingdom of the heavens and the earth? He punishes whomever He wishes, and forgives whomever He wishes, and Allah has power over all things.”[1]
Note: There are many traditions in which disgracing a believer has been considered as a forbidden act, according to our Infallible Imams (pbuth). Therefore, you are supposed not to share it with others and let this issue be as a secret. [2]
[1] . Surah al-Ma’idah, verses 39 and 40.
[2] . Kuleini, Muhammad bin Yaqoub, al-Kafi, Vol. 2, Pg. 352, Darul Kotobul Islamiyah, Tehran, 1986; Ibid, Vol. 8, Pg. 107, H 82; Ibid, Vol. 2, Pg. 359, H 2.