Al-Matalib al-'Aliyah 1476 — Lost property (luqatah)

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Tha'labah al-Khushani (may Allah be pleased with him); Urwah says: I met him (Abu Tha'labah) and spoke with him, and he said: I said: O Prophet of Allah! What is the ruling on silver (coins) found near an inhabited village or a frequented road? He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Announce it for a year; then, if the one looking for it comes, hand it over to him; otherwise, keep note of its container, its tie and its count, then make use of it." He said: I said: O Messenger of Allah! What is the ruling on silver found in land that has lain desolate since ancient pre-Islamic times? He said: "In it and in buried treasure (rikaz) there is a fifth (khums)." He said: I said: O Messenger of Allah! What is the ruling on a sheep found in desert land? He said: "Eat it (take it), for it is either yours, or your brother's, or else it will become food for the wolf." He said: I said: O Prophet of Allah! What about a camel or she-camel found in the desert, which has its own container and water-skin with it (that is, it is able to survive)? He said: "Leave it; what have you to do with it?"