If a debtor cannot locate his creditor to return his money, what should he do with the money?

Q. Mufti Saheb, I took a loan from someone a few years ago. Unfortunately, I cannot locate him now to pay him back the loan. What do I do? Please advise?

A. As a debtor, you should exercise all possible avenues in getting in touch with your creditor.

However, if it is not possible for you to do so, then as a debtor, you may absolve yourself from the situation by giving the money to the poor and needy as Sadaqah (charity) (Shaami)

Allah Ta’ala Knows Best

Mufti Ismaeel Bassa

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