Question:

A man in the disbelieving lands was involved in a group (gang) that used to loot and steal. Then he repented and made his repentance good. The government is looking for him now. Is his repentance sufficient or should he turn himself in to the government?

Answer:

If he repented, Allah returns to the one who repents to him. However, the rights of the people are upon him. If he knows the people, then he returns it to them. If he does not know them, then he gives charity on their behalf. If he repented, then he does not turn himself in. If they take him or something happens, perhaps Allah, if he is truthful, He will make his affair easy and make a way out for him. If something happens and they take him however, he must give the rights to its people.”

[Sharh Sunan Ibn Majah no. 98]

Translated by

Faisal Ibn Abdul Qaadir Ibn Hassan
Abu Sulaymaan