Rulings on Excess Wealth of Unknown Sources According to Islamic Law

Abstract

Islamic law places a paramount emphasis on safeguarding wealth and preserving it from loss, and it deems its preservation as one of the objectives of Sharia. Islamic law views wealth in a general sense and regards unexplained surplus wealth from a humanitarian perspective. The aim is to elucidate the comprehensiveness, adaptability, and relevance of Islamic Sharia, demonstrating its capability to address contemporary needs by providing rulings that uphold benefits, prevent harm, and contribute to enlightening people about the principles of wealth preservation. Contemporary and emerging issues are numerous and require clarification of their legal rulings, particularly new forms such as the treatment of abandoned funds in customs, the status of deposits in commercial banks, the handling of profits in banks with unknown owners, funds in the possession of money changers, and those held in exchange centers. These issues fall under the purview of Islamic jurisprudence, akin to the concept of "lost property," due to their significant importance in jurisprudential deliberations and contemporary practical applications. The resultant conclusion is that surplus funds of unknown origin are treated akin to lost property. Contemporary and emerging matters necessitate a legal ruling, and if the owner of such funds cannot be found, they are generally allocated to charitable causes, which are broader than the concept of Muslim interests. These causes encompass various charitable endeavors, such as aiding the poor and constructing mosques, as they are considered avenues of charity.