[Q 138] Owed Money & Tools After Worker’s Demise

Question

“Zaid” was doing building work in my house. He has now passed away. I owed him money for 2 days of his work and he has left some of his tools at my house. He has no relatives here in the uk nor anyone that can direct me to his family or friends.

What is the legal ruling in regards to the money that I owed him for his labour and what should I do with his tools which are at my house?

بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم

الجواب بعون الملك الوهاب اللهم هداية الحق والصواب

Answer

In the given scenario, make every possible effort to deliver Zaid’s wages and belongings to his heirs.

Or find his heirs and take permission from them to give it to someone or have it forgiven.

If after all efforts you are unable to find them, then give all these things in charity to a deserving poor person (meaning a Muslim who is eligible for Zakat).

Answered by: Mufti Sajid Attari

Translated by: Shaheer Attari