Maulana Muhammad Munir رحمه الله was one of those fortunate souls who participated in the wars waged against the british while fighting for indian independence. He also served as the fourth principle of Darul 'Uloom Deoband. His sense of honesty and trustworthiness was absolutely outstanding.

One one occasion, Maulana رحمه الله travelled to Delhi in order to print the annual Madrasah review. Unfortunately, the money which he had brought with him on behalf of the Madrasah was stolen from him. Maulana رحمه الله did not inform anybody of the theft. He quietly returned home and sold one of his prive properties. He then took the equivalent amount that was stolen from him and returned to Delhi to complete the printing.

A few days later, the news somehow leaked out within the Madrasah. A number of the senior teachers decided to inform Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi رحمه الله of the matter and requested his verdict. Maulana Gangohi رحمه الله explained that the money was a trust in the hands of Maulana Muhammad Munir رحمه الله. As he had not displayed any negligence in the loss thereof, he could not be held accountable. The staff approached Maulana Muhammad Munir رحمه الله and showed him the verdict of Maulana Gangohi رحمه الله. They requested him to take back the money he had given from his side.

Maulana Muhammad Munir رحمه الله read it and remarked, "Has Maulana Rasheed Ahmad Gangohi studied fiqh and issued this verdict for my sake? Maulana Gangohi should place his hand upon his heart and ask whether he would have taken back the money if he had been in a similar situation. I do not accept the verdict and I will never take back the money that I had been given." [Jawahir Pare, vol 1, p241]

In terms of the Shari'ah, the verdict was correct and it was permissible for Maulana رحمه الله to take back the money. However, due to his high level sincerity he refused to accept it.

Our pious predecessors set an outstanding example of diligence and trustworthiness in dealing with public funds. [Pearls from the Path]