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Disposing of a debt when the creditor's whereabouts are unknown
Question
My father passed away five years ago and before his death he informed me that he was indebted to a person I do not know. I looked for this person (my father only mentioned his first name) but could not find him during the [past] five years.
Is it permissible to spend the money to meet my needs? If this person shows up, I will give him the money.
Answer
If the case is as mentioned in the question, there is no objection in Islamic law to the inquirer spending the money on his needs. Nevertheless, he is obliged to return it when the creditor shows up and demands his money.
The above answers the question and Allah Almighty knows best.
