What is the ruling of Islamic law on excavating money hidden underground and exposed to damage, and using it for charitable purposes?
If it is known that this money is not from pre-Islamic burials, then it is considered a lost-and-found item (luqata), and its owners must be sought. If they are identified, it should be given to them. If they are not known, it is obligatory to publicize it for a year in public gatherings and local newspapers. Whoever comes and describes it accurately, it should be given to them. If its owner is not identified after the publicizing period, then you may possess it or spend it on charitable causes, with the guarantee to its owner if they are found later.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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