There is a big difference between the pure teachings of Islam and the misconduct and illicit practices committed by some Muslims. As a religion, Islam prohibits stealing in all its forms. It is totally against plundering, looting, and devouring others’ property without a legal right.
Islam declares stealing, plundering, and looting prohibited because such acts constitute a clear violation of the rights of others (whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims). It was narrated from Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) addressed the people on `Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) and said: “O people, what day is this?” They said, “A sacred day.” He said, “What land is this?” They said, “A sacred land.” He said, “What month is this?” They said, “A sacred month.” He said, “Your blood, your wealth and your honor are as sacred to you as this day of yours in this land of yours in this month of yours.” He repeated it several times, then he raised his head and said, “O Allah, have I conveyed (the message)? O Allah, have I conveyed (the message)?” Ibn `Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “By the One in Whose hand is my soul, this was his last advice to his Ummah, so let those who are present convey it to those who are absent.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1652)
As for the ruling on plundering generally, there are two cases. Plundering that takes place in deserts and isolated areas away from towns is considered highway robbery, but that which takes place within towns is stealing. Those who undertook both forms of stealing must repent to Allah and return what they took to their owners if they are known. If the stolen objects belong to the state, they must be returned to the place from which they were taken.
Sheikh `Ammar Badawi, Mufti of Tulkarem at Palestine, states the following: “Looting and plundering are completely rejected in the Islamic Shari`ah. Besides its being impermissible and evil, plundering reflects a negative image that is intended to lower the spirits of the Muslims, distort their image, undermine their status, harm them psychologically and spiritually, and depress Muslims all over the world.
Some of those looters see nothing wrong in plundering due to the fact that the stolen objects belong to the public. This pretext is actually worse than the sin itself. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is reported to have said: “Many a man misappropriating Allah’s money (public property) in falsehood will inter the Hell-Fire on the Doomsday.”
So, those who have plundered must repent to Allah, seek His Forgiveness, and return things to their owners if they are known; and if they are not known, they must take them to the places from which they were illegally obtained.