10084
27
20 / 06 / 2026
Donating Debts to an Orphanage
I have some debts owed to me by some people, and they are unable to pay. I decided to donate some amounts to an orphanage, where the person authorized to collect is an employee of the association, and his role is to communicate with those who owe money for the benefit of the orphans. It is known that many have not paid, and they are aware that it is for the benefit of the orphans, and that I have no right to these amounts but rather the right belongs to the orphan. In this case, does the failure to pay by someone who is able to pay constitute eating the money of an orphan? And if they pay me personally, am I obligated to pay the amount to the orphanage? Is it permissible for me to take the amount for myself or take part of it and the rest for the orphans?
Answer
I say, and with God's success: If a person has promised to take care of an orphan and is able to do so, they must adhere to this commitment religiously; because they have pledged to do so. If they do not pay, they are not considered to be consuming the orphan's wealth; because the money belongs to them, and they are donating to the orphan. Payment can be made to the orphan as a debt, and if the caretaker pays the orphan, this debt is acknowledged. And God knows best.
