Chapter on the Inheritance of the Missing Person

Ibn Abi Nasr narrated from Hammad from Ishaq ibn Ammar who said: I asked Imam عليه السلام about a man who died and left behind children, some of whom were absent and their whereabouts were unknown. Imam عليه السلام said: "Inheritance should be divided, and the share of the absent one will be set aside." I asked: "Is zakat due on it?" Imam عليه السلام said: "No, not until he returns, takes possession of it, and a full year passes over it." I asked: "What if his whereabouts are completely unknown?" Imam عليه السلام said: "If the remaining heirs are financially well-off, they may divide the inheritance. If he returns, they must restore his share to him."