405. Lost Property

By Asma Bint Shameem

The ruling on “lost property” or “al-Luqtah” depends on what you find. 

If it’s something insignificant like 25 cents, or a pen or a hair bow etc, then if you know who it belongs to, you should give it to them. 

But if you don’t know who’s it is and no one is looking for it then it’s allowed for you to keep it. 

Jabir radhi Allaahu anhu said:

 “The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

made exceptions in the case of a stick or a whip or a rope that a man picks up.”

(Abu Dawood).

But if the lost item is of some value like a wallet or a phone, or money etc, then the person should announce that he found such and such for one whole year. 

Zayd ibn Khaalid radhi Allaahu anhu said:

“The Messenger of Allaah Sal Allaahu Alaiyhi wa Sallam 

was asked about lost gold and silver. 

He said, 

‘Know the details of the purse and the string, then announce it for a year. If no one claims it, then dispose of it, and it is like a trust in your hands. 

Then if the owner comes along some day, give it to him.” 

(al-Bukhaari, Muslim) 

The meaning of “Know the details of the purse and the string” is that the finder should know the exact details of what he found so that if the owner comes looking for it, and describes it, he would know if this is the rightful owner or not. 

So you should announce it for a year and try to find the rightful owner. 

And if a whole year passes and no one claims the item, then the finder can keep it. 

Since this vessel that you have is something that’s not of much value, you should first try and ask your friends and family about it. 

If no one claims it, you can use it. 

And Allaah knows best