Entrusting a woman with a trust and upon asking for it, her husband denies having it

Q 7: A woman from Makkah rented her house to some pilgrims from the people of Al-Ihsa'. After performing the rituals of Hajj, one of the pilgrims asked her to keep a wooden box and a tent as a trust. She refused to do so fearing that she might fail to return the trust back. But he promised her to come back six months to take them. She agreed even without knowing his name or address. Six months later, the man returned to take his trust but it was the woman's husband who opened the door for him. The husband was aware that the man had left his wife a trust. However, he said to him, "We do not have anything for you, (Part No. 15; Page No. 410) the wooden box was broken." When the woman knew what had happened she blamed her husband for saying so and started to look for the man but unfortunately he had left. She does not know his address. Now she cries whenever she hears Hadith about fulfilling the trust. What should this woman do? Should she estimate the price of the trust and give it in charity? It should be noted that when she blamed her husband vehemently for behaving this way, he told her that he is responsible for what happened.

A: The husband has committed a sin. However, you have to estimate the value of the wooden box and the tent then give their price in charity on behalf of their owner. Then if their owner comes back later, you should tell him about what you have done. If he asks for the price, you have to pay it to him and the reward of Sadaqah (voluntary charity) is for you. If he accepts your action, the reward of Sadaqah is for him. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.