Finds Sunan Abi Dawud 1701
Muhammad bin Kathir told us: Shu'bah reported to us from Salamah bin Kuhail, from Suwaid bin Ghaflah, who said: I went out on an expedition with Zaid bin Suhan and Salman bin Rabi'ah. I found a whip, and they said to me, "Discard it." I said, "No, but if I find its owner, (I will return it); otherwise, I will make use of it." Then I went for Hajj, and I passed by Madinah, so I asked Ubayy bin Ka'b, and he said: I found a purse containing one hundred dinars, so I came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and he said, "Announce it for a year." So I announced it for a year, then I came to him and he said, "Announce it for a year." So I announced it for a year, then I came to him and he said, "Announce it for a year." So I announced it for a year, then I came to him and said, "I have not found anyone who recognizes it." He said, "Memorize its number, its tie, and its container. If its owner comes, (give it to him); otherwise, make use of it." He said: I do not know whether he said "Announce it" three times or once.
Overview & Central Theme
This hadith from Sunan Abi Dawud (1701) addresses the Islamic ruling on found property (luqatah), specifically a purse containing one hundred dinars. The Prophet ﷺ instructs the finder to announce the find for a full year, then after exhausting sincere efforts to locate the owner, permits the finder to use it while preserving its description (number, container, and tie) so that it may be returned if the rightful owner later appears. The central theme is the balance between communal responsibility—protecting others' property—and practical mercy, allowing the finder to benefit after due diligence, while embedding a profound lesson in trustworthiness, patience, and accountability before Allah.
Context & Linguistic Insights
The hadith reflects a pre-Islamic and early Islamic scenario where a man found a purse (himyanah) with dinars. The Prophet ﷺ commanded him to "make the matter known" (ʿarrifhā) for a year—a term derived from the root ʿ-r-f, meaning to announce or publicize. The emphasis on repeating the announcement three times (with Shuʿbah's uncertainty on the exact count) highlights the importance of persistent, widespread notification. The key phrase "Remember, its number, its container and its tie" (iʿrif ʿidadahā wa wiʿāʾahā wa wikāʾahā) underscores meticulous preservation of distinguishing features—a legal principle ensuring the rightful owner can be identified and the property returned with certainty. Linguistically, "wiʿāʾ" (container) and "wikāʾ" (tie/string) are physical markers, while "ʿidad" (number) is quantitative, together forming a comprehensive description.
Key Scholarly Insights & Legal Benefits
Daily Life & Spiritual Application
In our daily lives, this hadith teaches us to treat found property—whether a wallet, phone, or money—with utmost care, first making sincere and sustained efforts to find its owner (e.g., posting notices, asking in the locality, or using digital platforms) for a reasonable period. It also instills a spirit of accountability: we are trustees of what we find, not instant owners. Spiritually, the practice of remembering the item's details mirrors our duty to preserve the trusts (amānāt) Allah places in our care, including knowledge, wealth, and relationships. By acting with patience, transparency, and readiness to restore rights, we embody Ihsan—excellence in worship and social ethics—trusting that Allah rewards those who honor His commands even in small matters.