What is the ruling on money donated for a sick person who died after the amount was collected—is it to be distributed among his heirs or returned to the donors, and can his will regarding a continuous charity (Sadaqah Jariyah) be considered valid by mere indication?

When individuals donate money for the treatment of a sick person, their intention must be respected. Therefore, it is not permissible to spend the money for any purpose other than that for which it was given, except with their permission. The condition of the donor must be observed if they had a legitimate purpose. If it becomes impossible to spend the money for its designated purpose (such as the death of the patient), the money must be returned to the donors. It is not permissible to give it to the heirs of the deceased without the donors' permission. Whoever among them agrees to spend it on the heirs or as an ongoing charity (sadaqa jariyah), then so be it. Otherwise, they should reclaim their share. As for those whose permission cannot be sought, the money should be spent on purposes closest to the original intention, such as giving it to another patient. Regarding the deceased's will for an ongoing charity, it should be fulfilled from one-third of their wealth if they left an inheritance; otherwise, there is no obligation upon you. Charity given on their behalf is beneficial by scholarly consensus.