Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Zaid bin Khalid Juhani narrates that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about a lost item. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Announce its identification for one year. If its owner comes (then give it to him), otherwise you may spend it.

Hazrat Suwaid bin Ghaflah narrates that I, Zaid bin Suhan, and Salman bin Rabee’ah set out until when we reached the place of ‘Adheeb, I picked up a stick that was lying on the ground. Both of them said to me, “Throw away this stick.” I refused. When we reached Madinah, I presented myself before Ubayy bin Ka’b and asked him about this matter. He said: During the blessed time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), I had picked up one hundred dinars that had been lost, and I mentioned this matter before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Announce its identification (to the people) for one year. So I announced the identification of those dinars for one year, but I did not find anyone who could identify them. Then I presented myself before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Announce its identification for one year. Then if you find its owner, give it to him; otherwise, you should note its quantity, its container, and its string for identification. Then you will become like its owner. And (Imam) Abu Hanifah’s opinion has been mentioned that: If the owner of the lost property comes, then its compensation will be paid.