The ruling on one who owes a debt to a deceased Christian

Question:
A very long letter, prompted by a listener from Mosul in the Iraqi Republic, in the Sada district, al-Wahdah neighborhood. The summary of what is in this letter is: that he has a debt of fifty dinars to a deceased Christian man. To whom should he pay this amount?

Answer:
He must pay it to the heirs, if he has heirs, if he knows his heirs; he must pay it to them, and he must inquire about them. If he does not find them, and does not know of any heirs for him; then he gives it in charity on his behalf; because it benefits him. He gives it to some of the poor with the intention of it being on behalf of the owner of the wealth; perhaps Allah will alleviate some of his punishment thereby.
The point is: that he gives it in charity on behalf of that deceased person who is the owner of the right, and Allah (Exalted and Majestic is He) does not waste the reward of one who does good , and even if he was a disbeliever; perhaps it will be alleviated for him.

The presenter: Perhaps it will be alleviated for him.

The Shaykh: Yes, for that reason, yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.