What should I do with the amount owed to the cosmetics company after 9 years, given that I cannot identify the beneficiary or agent to whom I should return the money, and am I obliged to give charity with the intention of benefiting the مندوب (sales representative) and the سائق (driver) for any harm that may have befallen them?
Among the conditions for repentance concerning matters involving the rights of people is to restore those rights to them. If it is impossible to identify the rightful owners, then one should give charity on their behalf and spend it on general Muslim welfare. If it is highly probable that the rightful owner can be identified through agents, then one is obliged to pursue them; otherwise, it is not obligatory. When it is highly probable that the rightful owner cannot be identified, then the amount should be given as charity on their behalf to the poor or for the welfare of Muslims. This absolves one's responsibility, and it is not obligatory to give charity beyond the original amount.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 146810
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy