Paying back a loan to the heirs of the deceased after the death of the creditor

Q: About 10 years ago I borrowed Rs 2 lacks from my mother. My mother died recently. She was living with me and never asked me about the mony nor did I return it.

My question is, do I have to pay back that money? If yes, who should I pay it to?

A: This money belonged to the deceased. Hence, it should be returned to the estate and thereafter be distributed among the heirs according to the stipulated shares of inheritance.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)