He deposited money and gold with him, and it is most likely that he has passed away, so what should be done?
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Fatwa number ( 5536 )
Q: A man from Bani Shahr, a long time ago, deposited a sum of money with me, and went to his country, and has not returned to this day. I believe he has passed away, but I do not know if he has any heirs or not, nor do I know which village he is from. I know his name, but I do not know what to do with this amount. Should I spend it on the intention of its owner, or hand it over to the Muslim treasury, or keep it? Therefore, I ask for your guidance.
A: If the situation is as described, then if you wish, keep it and strive to identify the aforementioned man. If you wish, give the amount in your possession as charity to the poor, or pay it into a charitable project with the intention that its reward belongs to its owner. If his owner or his heir comes to you later, inform him of the reality. If he is satisfied, then that is fine; otherwise, pay him the amount. You will have the reward, if Allah wills.
Q: A man from Bani Shahr, a long time ago, deposited a sum of money with me, and went to his country, and has not returned to this day. I believe he has passed away, but I do not know if he has any heirs or not, nor do I know which village he is from. I know his name, but I do not know what to do with this amount. Should I spend it on the intention of its owner, or hand it over to the Muslim treasury, or keep it? Therefore, I ask for your guidance.
A: If the situation is as described, then if you wish, keep it and strive to identify the aforementioned man. If you wish, give the amount in your possession as charity to the poor, or pay it into a charitable project with the intention that its reward belongs to its owner. If his owner or his heir comes to you later, inform him of the reality. If he is satisfied, then that is fine; otherwise, pay him the amount. You will have the reward, if Allah wills.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.