Giving Luqatah in charity

Q: My husband has a private workshop in which he makes machines' spare parts and repairs machines. Sometimes people bring their machines to him to repair but they do not come back to take them or pay him his fees. These machines stay at his workshop for months and sometimes for years. What should we do, taking into consideration that the value of these machines are more than his wage. Please, advise. May Allah reward you.

A: In case you could not deliver the machines to their owners and can not reach them or their heirs, you can sell these machines. However, your husband can take his fees and give the rest as Sadaqah (voluntary charity) on behalf of the owners of these machines. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.