Reference: Fataawa Noor ‘alad-Darb – Question No.6291, Page 121, Volume 12
Question: A sick woman spent a number of days in hospital. When she was discharged, she took with her about forty glass cups and other [hospital] property, and was not aware of the ruling regarding this action of hers. She has since moved to a different area, so what is required of her? Should she return what she took from the hospital, or should she donate their value [in money] to charity?
Response: I hope this woman is not liable for any sin for having taken these glass cups, since she thought there was no harm in taking them. However, she must return them back to the hospital, whether or not she has moved from the town where she used to live. That is because this is the right of the person [who owns the hospital], and it is imperative to return the right of a person back to him – or [alternatively] seek his permission [to keep them]. So she is required to return these [glass] cups which she had taken back to the hospital.
