The ruling on supporting and aiding Mujahideen with stolen property

What do the esteemed scholars and respected Muftis say about the following issue: There is a region whose people have given shelter and protection to some Mujahideen, and they also arrange for their food and basic needs. However, this region is known as a “thieves’ area”, and in reality, the people there do engage in theft. The question is: Is it permissible to support the Mujahideen or contribute to their funds using stolen property (mal-e-masruqah)? Note: This question is being asked by the Mujahideen themselves, who are currently under the protection of the people from the mentioned area. They wish to know: Is it permissible and lawful for us, as Mujahideen, to use donations or support that may come from stolen property?

الجوابُ حامِدا ًو مُصلیِّا ً

Although there is no doubt that the rightful owners of stolen property are those from whom it was taken, it is obligatory upon those who possess such stolen goods to return them to their original owners. They should then assist and support the Mujahideen from their lawful and permissible wealth. Otherwise, they will fall under the warning: Good deeds wasted, and sin acquired. However, it is also essential to avoid harboring baseless suspicion against others, and on that basis, labeling an entire region as thieves or declaring all of their wealth as haram is something that must certainly be avoided.

مأخَذُ الفَتوی

كما في حاشية ابن عابدين: لو مات الرجل وكسبه من بيع الباذق أو الظلم أو أخذ الرشوة يتورع الورثة،ولا يأخذون منه شيئا وهو أولى بهم ويردونها على أربابها إن عرفوهم، وإلا تصدقوا بها لأن سبيل الكسب الخبيث التصدق إذا تعذر الرد على صاحبه اهـ (6/ 385)۔