Leaving a deposit for a long time

Q 9: My mother said that someone deposited something with her. He came and took a portion of this deposited object. Then, he came another time and took another portion. But he did not come for eight years though he is still alive. She sends him messages without receiving any reply. What is the ruling on this deposit? Can she sell it and pay its value as charity on behalf of its owner? Can she throw it in the garbage?

A: She should send it to him if it is easy for her to do that. Otherwise, she has to keep it until its owner comes to take it. If the owner of the deposit dies, she has to pay it to his heirs. (Part No. 15; Page No. 415) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.