The Ruling on Disposing of Lost Property
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The third question of Fatwa No. ( 4049 )
Q3: A man works for a merchant who has a shop. He found a carton containing razors and some items like wick trimmers. He asked the shop owner, "Do you know whose carton this is?" The owner replied, "I do not know whose it is." The worker took it and gave it to his relative, telling him, "Sell it, and if someone comes asking about it, we will give them their right." More than two years have passed, and no one has asked about it. The worker wishes to clear his conscience; what should he do? Please advise us, may Allah reward you with good.
A3: This falls under the ruling of lost property. It is obligatory to announce it for one year if it is of a kind that has significant value in the minds of the general public. If it is not claimed, it is prescribed for the one who found the carton to give its value in charity on behalf of the loser to the poor, or to spend it in a field of righteousness. If the owner comes, the situation is explained to him. If he is satisfied, that is fine; otherwise, he is given its value and the reward of the one who gave charity. If he wishes, he may take ownership of it after the period of announcement has passed. If the owner comes, it is as previously stated.
to the poor, or to spend it in a field of righteousness. If the owner comes, the situation is explained to him. If he is satisfied, that is fine; otherwise, he is given its value and the reward of the one who gave charity. If he wishes, he may take ownership of it after the period of announcement has passed. If the owner comes, it is as previously stated.
Q3: A man works for a merchant who has a shop. He found a carton containing razors and some items like wick trimmers. He asked the shop owner, "Do you know whose carton this is?" The owner replied, "I do not know whose it is." The worker took it and gave it to his relative, telling him, "Sell it, and if someone comes asking about it, we will give them their right." More than two years have passed, and no one has asked about it. The worker wishes to clear his conscience; what should he do? Please advise us, may Allah reward you with good.
A3: This falls under the ruling of lost property. It is obligatory to announce it for one year if it is of a kind that has significant value in the minds of the general public. If it is not claimed, it is prescribed for the one who found the carton to give its value in charity on behalf of the loser to the poor, or to spend it in a field of righteousness. If the owner comes, the situation is explained to him. If he is satisfied, that is fine; otherwise, he is given its value and the reward of the one who gave charity. If he wishes, he may take ownership of it after the period of announcement has passed. If the owner comes, it is as previously stated.
to the poor, or to spend it in a field of righteousness. If the owner comes, the situation is explained to him. If he is satisfied, that is fine; otherwise, he is given its value and the reward of the one who gave charity. If he wishes, he may take ownership of it after the period of announcement has passed. If the owner comes, it is as previously stated.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.