What should be done with food entrusted to someone for a person who has been absent for a long time, and it is unknown when he will return, and the food will spoil? And is it sinful if someone eats it or gives it to someone else to eat?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
If the owner of the food is absent and you fear it will spoil, you may sell it and keep its price for its owner, or you may eat it or feed it to whomever you wish, and guarantee its price to him. This is because found food that is feared to spoil is, in the hands of the finder, like a deposit. So, the finder has the choice between selling it or eating it while guaranteeing its price, and should not leave it until it spoils. If he leaves it until it spoils, then it is his responsibility due to his negligence.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/113245
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 113245
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy