What should I do with money I earned for work I didn't perform, and is it permissible to donate it to a public charity or to hospitals?

It was authentically reported from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, that he said: "The hand is responsible for what it took until it returns it." Accordingly, if money was taken unlawfully, it must be returned to its owner. One's responsibility is not discharged until the money reaches its owner or their representative. It is not permissible to spend this money on general Muslim welfare or to donate it as long as its owner or their representative is alive.