Does money donated by the public for a patient's medical costs form part of the estate if the patient dies before treatment takes place?

Summary

The Kedah State Fatwa Committee ruled that donations given in a general form may be used for any purpose that benefits Muslims. Donations designated for a specific patient's treatment may only be used for that purpose, and if the patient dies before treatment, the money does not form part of the estate. The patient's heirs or the fund organiser must return the money to the donors or seek their permission to use it for other Muslim welfare purposes. If donors cannot be identified, the funds are to be handed to a religious authority such as the Baitulmal or Wakaf institutions.

Written in our own words from the original fatwa — check the source before acting on it.