Some of my Saudi brothers left a sum of money with me, amounting to five hundred riyals, due to a calculation error, and I do not know where it is, nor does he know about it for certain.
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The questioner : The listener is also from Sudan. In his second question, he says: One of my Saudi brothers left a sum of money with me, amounting to five hundred riyals, due to a calculation error, and I do not know where it is, nor does he know about this error. I want to get rid of this amount to clear my conscience. Is it permissible for me to give this amount in charity in Saudi riyals or in Sudanese currency to some of my poor and needy relatives and neighbors, or is there another way? Please advise us; may Allah reward you?
The Shaykh : It is obligatory for you to search for this man. If you become hopeless of finding him, you may give the five hundred riyals in charity to the poor here or in Sudan. It does not matter whether you give it in Saudi currency or in Sudanese pounds.
The important thing is that it is obligatory for you first to search for him. If you become hopeless, then give it in charity. And so we say regarding any unknown money, where the owner is unknown, if it remains with you and you become hopeless of finding the owner, you may give it in charity on his behalf. Then, if he comes one day, give him the choice. Tell him: "The money that belongs to you, I gave in charity based on the fact that I was unable to contact you or obtain your consent. Now, you have the choice. If you wish, you may approve of what I did, and the reward will be yours. If you wish, I will give you your money, and the reward will be mine." Yes.
The Shaykh : It is obligatory for you to search for this man. If you become hopeless of finding him, you may give the five hundred riyals in charity to the poor here or in Sudan. It does not matter whether you give it in Saudi currency or in Sudanese pounds.
The important thing is that it is obligatory for you first to search for him. If you become hopeless, then give it in charity. And so we say regarding any unknown money, where the owner is unknown, if it remains with you and you become hopeless of finding the owner, you may give it in charity on his behalf. Then, if he comes one day, give him the choice. Tell him: "The money that belongs to you, I gave in charity based on the fact that I was unable to contact you or obtain your consent. Now, you have the choice. If you wish, you may approve of what I did, and the reward will be yours. If you wish, I will give you your money, and the reward will be mine." Yes.