Ruling on Lost Property in the Sacred Precinct

This message came from al-Qassim, from 'Uyun al-Jaww, from the sender (B. S. S.). He asks about lost property in the Haram. He says: Three years ago I performed Hajj, and during the Sa'i I found fifty riyals in the Ma'sa. After finishing the Sa'i, I bought water with it inside the Haram and distributed it to some people, and I drank some of it myself. I said: "O Allah, make its reward and recompense for the owner of the money." Am I sinful for this action or not? Is the water I drank forbidden? And what is the solution if I erred in this action? Knowing that these fifty riyals would have been wasted by being trampled under people's feet. We thank you greatly.
Answer: Lost property in the Haram of Makkah al-Mukarramah is not permissible to take except for one who identifies it; because the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) said: , meaning: one who identifies it. The lost property of Makkah, what is found in the Haram of lost items and strays, is not permissible to pick up except for one who identifies it, always, always, so that perhaps its owner will find it when he comes to Makkah for Hajj and 'Umrah. If he does not identify it, let him place it with those entrusted with these matters, from the side of the court or whoever takes the place of the court in preserving lost property in the Haram. He does not take it for ownership by identifying it or otherwise. Rather, it is obligatory for the Muslim if he sees lost property in the Haram, whether coins, goods, or the like of that which has monetary value, that he identifies it. He picks it up and identifies it, or he leaves it in its place for someone else to take it. If he does not identify it, he must hand it over to the officials in the Haram responsible for lost property, except if the one who picks it up is something small and insignificant, then there is no blame. Like the fifty riyals and its like. This today is considered insignificant in countries like Saudi Arabia. It is considered insignificant lost property. And if it were left, it would be trampled and destroyed. So this lost property, if he eats it, or gives it in charity, or puts it in Zamzam water and distributes it to people, all of that is permissible, all of it is good; because it is insignificant and small. If he eats it, there is no blame. If he gives it in charity, there is no blame. If he puts it in Zamzam water and distributes it to people, there is no blame. All of this, if Allah wills, is good and there is no blame in it, and praise be to Allah. Yes.