It is narrated from Hazrat Suwaid bin Ghaflah that I, Zaid bin Suhan, and Hazrat Salman bin Rabee’ah set out on a journey until we reached the place of ‘Adheeb. There, I picked up a whip that was lying on the ground. Both of them said to me,“Throw it away,”but I refused. When I came to Madinah, I presented myself before Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him) and asked him about this matter. He (may Allah be pleased with him) said:“I once found a hundred dinars during the time of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). When I mentioned them to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he said: ‘Announce it for one year. If the owner comes, hand it over to him; otherwise, make sure you recognize the number of dinars, the pouch, the container, etc., very well. Then you are like the owner’s path (i.e., previously he picked up the money from the road, but now he will take it from you).’”

Hazrat Saeed bin Musayyib (may Allah have mercy on him) was asked about lost property (luqata). He (may Allah have mercy on him) said: Announce it for one year, and make it well known. If the owner comes, hand it over to him; otherwise, give it in charity for him. Then, if the owner comes after it has been given in charity, he has the choice: he may take the reward of the charity or his lost property.

Hazrat Ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) regarding lost property said: Announce it. I do not advise you to eat it; if you wish, then do not pick it up.

It is narrated from Hazrat Iyad bin Hamar that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Whoever finds a lost item should appoint two witnesses over it, then neither change it nor conceal it. If its owner comes, he has more right to it, and if the owner does not come, then it is Allah’s property (blessing), which He gives to whomever He wills.