Bayhaqi 12068 — What one may and may not pick up of what he finds

Amr bin Shu'ayb narrates from his father, and he from his grandfather (may Allah be pleased with him), that he said: I heard a man from Muzaynah (may Allah be pleased with him) ask the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) about a stray camel while I was listening. He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It has its hooves and its water supply with it; the wolf cannot eat it; it drinks water and can eat the leaves of trees. Leave it in its place until the one looking for it comes." He asked about a stray sheep, and he (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is for you, or for your brother, or for the wolf; keep hold of it until the one looking for it comes." He said: "And a found item that we come across?" He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whatever is in an inhabited place or on a frequented road, announce it for a year; if the one looking for it comes, give it to him, otherwise it is yours." He asked: "O Messenger of Allah, what is found in an ancient ruined place?" He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "In it and in buried treasure (rikaz) there is one fifth (khumus)." In one narration he said: "What is your view about a stray sheep?" He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is food to be eaten, for you, or for your brother, or for the wolf. Keep your brother's stray for him."