A questioner says: When I was twelve years old, there were women selling sweets near our school, and I used to buy from them on credit and did not pay this debt.
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The questioner : When I was twelve years old, there were women selling sweets near our school, and I used to buy from them on credit and did not pay this debt. Those women left our school, and I forgot about them. Now I am approximately eighteen years old. I want to clear my conscience of that amount, which is approximately ten riyals. Should I give it in charity to them, or what should I do?
The Shaykh : Yes, if you have despaired of finding these women, there is no blame on you if you give these ten riyals in charity on their behalf. Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, knows who is entitled to it, and your conscience will be cleared by that. The reward will belong to the one who is owed these riyals, because this is the extent of your ability. And Allah the Exalted said:[At-Taghabun 64:16].
The questioner : May Allah bless you.
The Shaykh : Yes, if you have despaired of finding these women, there is no blame on you if you give these ten riyals in charity on their behalf. Allah, Glorified and Exalted is He, knows who is entitled to it, and your conscience will be cleared by that. The reward will belong to the one who is owed these riyals, because this is the extent of your ability. And Allah the Exalted said:
So fear Allah as much as you are able
فَاتَّقُوا اللَّهَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُمْThe questioner : May Allah bless you.