Musnad Ahmad

It is narrated from Hazrat Suwaid (may Allah be pleased with him) that once I went out with Zaid bin Suhan and Salman bin Rabee’ah. When we reached the place of ‘Adheeb, I found a whip lying on the way. Both of them said to me, “Throw it away,” but I refused and said, “I will announce it; if its owner comes, I will give it to him, otherwise I will benefit from it myself.” Upon reaching Madinah Munawwarah, I met Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him) and mentioned this incident to him. He said that during the blessed era of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), once I found one hundred dinars lying on the way. I asked the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about it, and he said, “Announce it for one year.” I kept announcing it for a year, but I did not find anyone who could identify it. (I then presented myself again, and the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ordered me to announce it for another year.) (Eventually) he said, “Keep in mind its quantity, its wrapper, and its binding well, and announce it for another year. If its owner comes, very good; otherwise, you may benefit from it.”