A Debt Owed to a Non-Muslim Whose Whereabouts Are Unknown

Question

I owe money to a non-Muslim. Now there is no trace of him, nor is the whereabouts of his family known. I wish to pay the money and be relieved of the burden of the debt. What should I do?

Answer

Give it as sadaqa to some poor person with the intention of freeing yourself (from the debt).

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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