Question: 

My father passed away a few years ago. I have very recently found a container that belonged to him which was hidden away somewhere. It mainly contained money. I have separated the money into two categories:

1. Monies which belonged to my grandfather's or grandmother's estate - I have deduced this from notes/letters left behind.

2. Monies which I feel belonged to my father - However, I cannot say this with absolute conviction or verify accordingly due to there being no notes/letters attached to it.

How should I proceed with regards to the above? 

Answer: 

The container found in your late father’s belongings is a clear indication that it belongs to him, as the funds were in his possession and no one has claimed any such funds from his demise until now. However, he had excluded a certain amount from it by attaching a note (as a confession) which states that a certain amount belongs to your grandparents who are now late.

Based on the above, the funds belonging to your late grandparent’s estate should be handed over to the executors of their estate, whilst the funds owned by your late father should be distributed amongst his heirs as stipulated in Shariah.

AND ALLAH TA’ALA ALONE IN HIS INFINITE KNOWLEDGE KNOWS BEST

ANSWERED BY: Mufti Mohammed Desai 

CHECKED AND APPROVED BY: Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B

Date: 15 Dhul Qa’dah 1441 

English Date: 07 July 2020