Returning usurped money

Q 1: A Muslim helped a group of soldiers arrest a suspected slave. After arresting the slave and cuffing him, the man searched his clothes and found (Part No. 15; Page No. 325) 85 silver Riyals. He took them and spent them on his household due to his ignorance and poverty. What should this Muslim do to free himself from guilt?

A: If this Muslim knows the slave or someone who knows him, he must look for him to return the money to him in silver Riyals or the equivalent of their money. However, if he does not know the slave and has despaired from looking for him, he should give the silver or its monetary equivalent in charity, dedicating its reward to the owner. If at a later time, the owner of the money is found, the man should inform him about it and if he agrees, there will be no harm. However, if he disagrees and asks for his money, the money should be paid to him and the reward of the charity will be for the one who paid it. This Muslim should seek Allah's Forgiveness, perform Tawbah (repentance to Allah) and supplicate to Allah for the owner of the money. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.