Ibn Hibban

Suwaid bin Ghaflah narrates: I set out with Sulaiman bin Rabee’ah and Zaid bin Suhan. At the place of ‘Adheeb, I found a whip and picked it up. Both of them said: Leave it. I said: I will not leave it so that wild animals may eat it. Then I presented myself before Sayyiduna Ubayy bin Ka’b (may Allah be pleased with him) and informed him about this incident. He said: You did the right thing. During the blessed time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), I found one hundred dinars lying (on the ground). I took them to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He said: Announce it. I announced it for a year. Then I came to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He said: Announce it. I again announced it for a year. Then I presented myself before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He said: Announce it. I continued to announce it for a year. Then I presented myself before the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He said: Remember its amount, its pouch, and the string tied at the mouth of the pouch. If someone comes later and informs you of its amount, the pouch, and the sign of the pouch’s string, then pay (that amount) to him. Otherwise, you may benefit from it. (Imam Ibn Hibban, may Allah have mercy on him, says:) The statement of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “You may benefit from it,” contains the hidden meaning that if even after three years its owner comes to him, the found item should be returned to him.