Paying the price of a sold item or giving it in charity

477

Q: Eight years ago, I went to Makkah Al-Mukarramah to perform Hajj. I did not have much information about this obligation. After performing Hajj, I bought a Swiss ring and two little bottles of fragrance. The price of these things was three riyals, but I did not pay for them. After a while, I feared Allah's Punishment for this sin.What should I do in order to acquit my self of punishment? Moreover, I no longer have these things. What should I do to expiate for that? May Allah reward you with the best.

A: If the reality is as you have mentioned, then you have to give three riyals to this person. But if you can not find him, you have to pay these riyals as a charity on his behalf. If you meet this person, you have to tell him about what you have done. If he is satisfied with what you did, then there will be no blame against you. Otherwise, you have to repay him this sum of money and you will get the reward for the money you have paid as a charity on his behalf. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.