What is the ruling on lost property in the Haram?

Question:
The questioner: While I was performing tawaf, in the crowd, something of mine fell. I tried to look for it but could not find it. I found a watch on the ground, under people’s feet, so I took it. After three days, they told me it is forbidden to take it. Is this correct? What should I do? Should I throw it away, or should I put it in any place in front of me?

Answer:
The Shaykh: Yes, it is not permissible to pick up lost property in the Haram, except for one who intends to announce it, meaning to call out about it, so that its owner comes. This is based on the saying of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) meaning, for the one who takes it in order to call out about it so that its owner recognizes it and comes to take it. So your taking of the watch is a mistake.
The Shaykh: What is obligatory for you now is to go to the government department designated for handling lost items, because the government, may Allah guide it, has established a specialized department.
The Shaykh: The lost item is placed with them, and whoever loses something goes to this department and asks about their lost item. So you must ask about the department designated for managing lost items, give them this watch, and explain to them that you found it in such-and-such a place on such-and-such a day. You say, “I found it at the Mataf on such-and-such a day,” so that they obtain sufficient information. Then, if its owner comes and recognizes it as it is, he takes it. Yes.