Remedying shortcomings in the rights of people when the holder of the right is unknown

Question

If, after reaching adulthood, a wrong was committed with respect to the rights of people (huquq al-ʿibad) and one does not remember it; or one remembers, but does not properly remember the dealing in which the wrong occurred — with whom it was and how it happened: for example, one caused someone hurt, or bought something from someone but does not remember what was bought and for how much, or how much was bought, and also does not remember from whom it was bought, only remembering that it was bought; or the person…

Answer

Recite “Qul huwa Allahu ahad” (قل هو الله أحد) three times and then make duʿa: “O Allah, convey its reward to everyone who has been hurt by me and to everyone whose right has remained upon me.” If the holder of the right is present and is also remembered, then the matter should be cleared with him by seeking his forgiveness and making amends, or, if it is some financial right,…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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