Jamiatul Ulama KZN Council of Muslim Theologians
Nasihah (Advice): Less wealth means easier reckoning
Muhammad ibn Labid reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “Two things are hated by the son of Adam. He hates death, although it is better for the believer than tribulation, and he hates to have little wealth, although it means his reckoning will be easier.” [Musnad Ahmad]
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Question and Answer:
Q. Sir I have found 500 on the street, how much can I use out of this amount, pls advice…..Thanks
(Question published as received)
A. You may not use any of this amount. Rather, you are responsible for returning this amount to its owner due to having picked it up.
To this end, you may announce in the vicinity of the lost money or place a notice that money was lost and you should be contacted. If the genuine owner shows up and verifies the amount lost and the notes it comprised, you have to return it to them. If you cannot locate the owner after a reasonable amount of time, you may hold the money in trust indefinitely or give the money as charity on behalf of the owner. Should the owner show up after giving the money as charity then you may inform them that it was given as charity on their behalf. If they accept, they will receive the reward of the charity. If not, you will have to replace the money from your side and you will receive the reward of the charity. (Hindiyyah 2:289)
Note 1:If the person who finds the money is destitute, he may use the money for his own needs only if the owner is not found.
Note 2: In places where there are facilities for lost and found items, the finder will be absolved of responsibility by handing over the found items to the relevant authorities.
And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Moosa Salie
Mufti Taahir Hansa
(The answer hereby given is specifically based on the question asked and should be read together with the question asked. Islamic rulings on this Q&A newsletter are answered in accordance to the Hanafi Fiqh unless otherwise stated.)
Fatwa Department
Jamiatul Ulama (KZN)
Council of Muslim Theologians
223 Alpine Road, Overport
Durban, South Africa
Tel : +27 (0) 31 2077099
Email: fatwa@jamiat.org.za
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Website : www.jamiat.org.za
