Egypt's Dar Al-Ifta has answered a question submitted through its official website regarding a person who borrowed money but was unable to locate the lender despite repeated attempts to repay the debt.

The institution emphasized that repaying a debt is a mandatory obligation in Islamic law, and a debtor remains responsible until the money is returned to its rightful owner or the creditor forgives the debt.

The Importance of Repaying Debts in Islam

Dar Al-Ifta explained that financial debts are among the most important rights in Islam. A person's responsibility for a debt continues even after death.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"The soul of the believer remains suspended because of his debt until it is repaid."

For this reason, Muslims are encouraged to settle their debts as soon as possible.

What If You Cannot Find the Creditor?

If the debtor makes every reasonable effort to locate the creditor but fails, the next step is to search for the creditor's legal heirs and repay the debt to them.

The obligation does not end simply because the creditor cannot be found.

What If the Creditor and the Heirs Cannot Be Located?

If both the creditor and the legal heirs cannot be reached after thorough efforts, Dar Al-Ifta stated that the money should be transferred to Bank Nasser Social, which serves as the equivalent of Bayt al-Mal (the Public Treasury) in Egypt for funds whose rightful owners cannot be identified.

If this option is also unavailable, the debtor may donate the amount to poor and needy people with the intention that the reward belongs to the original creditor.

Can the Debt Be Given as Charity?

Yes. Islamic scholars have permitted donating the debt on behalf of the creditor when all reasonable efforts to locate the rightful owner have failed.

If the creditor later appears, they may either approve the charity and receive its reward or request repayment of the debt.

How Should You Search for the Creditor?

Dar Al-Ifta advised using every available method, including:

• Civil registry records.
• Police departments.
• Social media platforms.
• Public community groups.
• Relatives, friends, and acquaintances.

The debtor should make sincere and comprehensive efforts before moving to the next legal step.

Dar Al-Ifta's Final Ruling

The proper order of action is:

• Make every reasonable effort to locate the creditor.
• If unsuccessful, repay the legal heirs.
• If the heirs cannot be found, transfer the money to Bank Nasser Social.
• If none of these options is possible, donate the amount to the poor on behalf of the creditor.

Does a debt expire if the creditor disappears?

No. The debt remains the debtor's responsibility until it is properly repaid or forgiven.

What should I do if I cannot find the creditor?

You should make every reasonable effort to locate the creditor and, if unsuccessful, search for the legal heirs.

Can I donate the money instead?

Yes. If the creditor, the heirs, and the appropriate authority cannot be reached, the amount may be donated on behalf of the creditor.

Does debt remain after death?

Yes. Islamic teachings emphasize that a believer's debt remains an obligation until it has been fully repaid.

Why is repaying debt so important in Islam?

Because financial rights are sacred in Islam, and fulfilling debts protects the rights of others and clears the debtor's responsibility before Allah.