How to repay a debt when the location of the creditor is unknown

Question:
The first message in this episode is from listener Ali al-Hajri. Our brother Ali says in his message: I inform you, O Shaykh, that I am indebted to a number of people, some for a long time and some for a shorter period. I did not have the money when they demanded it from me at that time, but now I have found the money. However, some of them are present and others are not. What should I do with the money of those who are not present if I cannot find them? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, and may Allah send blessings and peace upon the Messenger of Allah, and upon his family and his Companions, and upon those who follow his guidance.
As for what follows:
You must ask about their locations, and once you know their addresses, you must send them their rights. This is obligatory upon you, because repaying a debt is obligatory, and this is one of the means of fulfilling it. So you must ask and strive until you know their locations and addresses, then send them their rights. Do not rush, for perhaps they will come forward, or perhaps you will find their addresses if they do not come forward. Do not rush. If you become desperate about finding them, then give charity on their behalf with the intention that it is for the owners of the debts. When they appear, you give them the choice. If they accept the charity, the reward is theirs. If they do not accept it, the reward is yours, and you give them their due. We ask Allah to guide everyone. Yes.

The presenter: O Allah, amen. May Allah reward you with good.