The ruling on the wealth of a person who died without leaving any heirs

Question:
I borrowed a sum of money from a person, and then he passed away before I was able to repay this amount. I could not find any heirs for him, so how should I deal with this money?

Answer:
If you owe a debt to a person who has passed away, and you do not know of any heirs for him, you should give it in charity on his behalf. You give it to some of the poor with the intention that it is on behalf of the deceased. This will benefit him in this world and the Hereafter; it will benefit him in his death, and it will also benefit you by clearing your conscience. This is if you do not know of any heirs for him, but do not rush; rather, ask those who have knowledge of the matter, so that perhaps you may find heirs for him.
If a long time has passed and you have not found an heir for him, then give it in charity on his behalf, or give it to the public treasury. Charity on his behalf is better in this case. Give it in charity to known poor people with the intention that it is on behalf of the deceased. Allah will clear your conscience, and the deceased will benefit from it.