Fatwa #4044627 July 2018United Arab Emirates
What should I do if an item which is in my possession but not mine?
Question
I bought something from an online store. They promised to deliver the item within 30-45days. The parcel didn't arrive so I demanded and a refund. And the seller paid in full. After a weeks the parcel arrived and I wanted to payback for the item. But I couldn't track down the seller. I tried my best. What do I do now? Is there a sin on me or any way I can makeup for this? Is it halal to use the item without paying for it? What should I do?
Answer
In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, The Most Merciful.
As-salaamu `alaykum wa-ramatullahi wa-barakatuh.
You mention that you cannot locate the seller. In that case, we advise you to give the item in sadaqa.[1]
And Allah Ta`ala Knows Best.
Hussein Muhammad.
Student Darul Iftaa
Arusha, Tanzania
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai.
المحيط البرهاني في الفقه النعماني (5/ 438)
وإن شاء تصدق بها على أن يكون الثواب لصاحبها، وإن شاء باعها، وإن لم يكن دراهم أو دنانير، وأمسك ثمنها، فإن تصدق وحضر صاحبها فله الخيار؛ إن شاء بعد التصدق والثواب له
البحر الرائق شرح كنز الدقائق ومنحة الخالق وتكملة الطوري (5/ 165)
ثم هو بالخيار إن شاء أدام الحفظ وإن شاء تصدق على أن يكون الثواب لصاحبها