Disposing of an amount his father left him to return to someone who is unknown to him

Q: We had a guest who left my father a lamb as a trust. As a result, my father had many sheep, but he forgot the name of (Part No. 15; Page No. 404) the guest who did not come back. In 1395 AH, my father died and left the lamb with me. Please advise about the legal ruling on this matter.

A: You should do your best and try to find the owner of the lamb. If you find him or his heir, you should return the trust. If not, you should give it in charity with the intention of being Sadaqah (voluntary charity) on behalf of its owner. If the owner or his heir comes after that and asks about the trust, tell them what you did. If they accept, this is all right; if not, give them its value and you will be rewarded for what you paid as Sadaqah. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.