Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Sunein Abu Jameelah narrates that during the time of Hazrat Umar, I found a child lying somewhere. So my messenger mentioned this to Hazrat Umar, and he called me and questioned me. I explained the situation, then he said that this child is free, his wala’ (allegiance) is for you, and the expense of his nursing will be upon us.

Jafar narrates from his father, from Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him), that he said: A child found lying on the road is free. If that child wishes to establish allegiance (muwalat) with the one who picked him up, he may do so, and if he wishes to establish allegiance with someone else, he may do that as well.

Ibn Jurayj narrates from Ata that he said: A foundling on the road may form allegiance with whomever he wishes.