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Q: I borrowed 2,000 Riyals from a friend of mine who lives in Lebanon, before the Israeli invasion of Lebanon. The problem is that I lost his correct address, for I thought that he was traveling to Lebanon just for a vacation and would come back, but he was prevented from returning by the war and I do not know his whereabouts now. Is it permissible for me to give the money I owe him as Sadaqah (voluntary charity) on his behalf to poor and needy people or not?

A: It is obligatory on you to return the money you borrowed to its owner if he is alive. You can ask about his whereabouts from his relatives. If you cannot do this, return the money to his heirs if you can find them. If you cannot do this, you should give it as a Sadaqah on his behalf. Then, if you find him later, you should tell him what you did. If he does not accept this, you should repay the money to him and you will be rewarded for the Sadaqah. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.