Author: Dr. Muhammad Ziya-ur-Rahman A'zami (رحمه الله)
Topic: Luqaṭah (Lost Property) in the Haram of Makkah
Lost items found within Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) are, in general, governed by the same principles as those found elsewhere.
➤ That is, the finder should announce it for one year,
➤ If the rightful owner comes forward, the item must be returned.
➤ If not, it becomes the property of the one who found it.
✔ This is the opinion held by the majority of scholars (jumhūr ʿulamāʾ).
However, some scholars hold a stricter opinion based on the specific sanctity of Makkah and the following Hadith:
“It is not lawful for anyone to pick up a lost item in Makkah except for the one who makes an announcement about it.”
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Ḥadīth 2017]
According to this view:
✔ Makkah’s lost property is not permissible to be claimed by ownership, even after one year.
✔ The finder must announce it perpetually until the true owner is found.
✔ Alternatively, the finder may hand it over to the authorities or the committee responsible for lost property in the Haram and thus be free of further responsibility.
This opinion emphasizes that the Hadith applies specifically to Makkah, and not generally to all regions — proving the unique status and sacredness of the Haram.
In practice, designated personnel are appointed in the Haram area — possibly referred to as the “Lost Property Protection Committee” — whose responsibility is to:
✔ Collect lost items,
✔ Protect them,
✔ Assist in returning them to rightful owners.
Delivering lost property to them is a valid and responsible course of action.
Reference:
Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn – Nūr ʿala al-Darb 8/245
✔ There is a difference of opinion regarding the final ownership of lost property in Makkah.
✔ The more cautious and preferred opinion is to continue announcing or hand it over to responsible authorities.
✔ This preserves the sanctity and trust expected in the sacred precincts of Makkah.
Topic: Luqaṭah (Lost Property) in the Haram of Makkah
✦ General Ruling on Luqaṭah in the Haram
Lost items found within Masjid al-Ḥarām (the Sacred Mosque in Makkah) are, in general, governed by the same principles as those found elsewhere.
➤ That is, the finder should announce it for one year,
➤ If the rightful owner comes forward, the item must be returned.
➤ If not, it becomes the property of the one who found it.
✔ This is the opinion held by the majority of scholars (jumhūr ʿulamāʾ).
✦ The Stricter View: Special Status of Makkah
However, some scholars hold a stricter opinion based on the specific sanctity of Makkah and the following Hadith:
“It is not lawful for anyone to pick up a lost item in Makkah except for the one who makes an announcement about it.”
[Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Ḥadīth 2017]According to this view:
✔ Makkah’s lost property is not permissible to be claimed by ownership, even after one year.
✔ The finder must announce it perpetually until the true owner is found.
✔ Alternatively, the finder may hand it over to the authorities or the committee responsible for lost property in the Haram and thus be free of further responsibility.
This opinion emphasizes that the Hadith applies specifically to Makkah, and not generally to all regions — proving the unique status and sacredness of the Haram.
✦ Current Practice
In practice, designated personnel are appointed in the Haram area — possibly referred to as the “Lost Property Protection Committee” — whose responsibility is to:
✔ Collect lost items,
✔ Protect them,
✔ Assist in returning them to rightful owners.
Delivering lost property to them is a valid and responsible course of action.
Reference:Shaykh Ibn ʿUthaymīn – Nūr ʿala al-Darb 8/245
✦ Summary
✔ There is a difference of opinion regarding the final ownership of lost property in Makkah.
✔ The more cautious and preferred opinion is to continue announcing or hand it over to responsible authorities.
✔ This preserves the sanctity and trust expected in the sacred precincts of Makkah.
