Authored by: Saudi Fatwa Committee
Question: I borrowed some money from someone, but they have now disappeared, and I do not know where they are.
Ruling:
If you owe a debt to someone and are unable to locate them despite your best efforts to find out where they are, and you have lost hope of repaying them directly, you should give the amount in charity on their behalf with the intention of seeking reward for them.
If the creditor eventually returns, inform them of what you did. If they agree to keep the charity as their repayment, that is acceptable. However, if they prefer to have the debt returned to them, then you must repay it, and you will still receive the reward for the charity you gave.
And Allah knows best.
Reference:
[Permanent Committee for Fatwas: 16513]
Question: I borrowed some money from someone, but they have now disappeared, and I do not know where they are.
Ruling:
If you owe a debt to someone and are unable to locate them despite your best efforts to find out where they are, and you have lost hope of repaying them directly, you should give the amount in charity on their behalf with the intention of seeking reward for them.
If the creditor eventually returns, inform them of what you did. If they agree to keep the charity as their repayment, that is acceptable. However, if they prefer to have the debt returned to them, then you must repay it, and you will still receive the reward for the charity you gave.
And Allah knows best.
Reference:
[Permanent Committee for Fatwas: 16513]