What is the fate of the money owned by an foundling of unknown lineage who died in the home of his guardian?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The foundling's wealth after his death belongs to the Muslim public treasury (Bayt al-Mal), unless an heir is known, such as a wife or child. His foster parent or guardian does not inherit from him. Thus, the foundling's inheritance and blood money go to Bayt al-Mal because he does not possess the causes of inheritance: marriage, lineage, and wala' (clientship). However, if the foundling marries and has children, his inheritance goes to his heirs.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/180535
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 180535
- 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