Finds Sunan Abi Dawud 1710
Qutaybah ibn Sa'id narrated to us: Al-Layth narrated to us, from Ibn Ajlan, from Amr ibn Shu'ayb, from his father, from his grandfather Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As, that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, was asked about hanging fruit, and he said: "Whoever takes from it with his mouth out of need, without taking any away in his garment, there is nothing against him. Whoever takes any of it away, upon him is a fine of twice its value and punishment. Whoever steals any of it after it has been placed in the drying ground (jarin), and it reaches the value of a shield, amputation is required."
He mentioned regarding stray camels and sheep the same as what others have mentioned. He said: He was asked about lost property (luqatah) and said: "Whatever of it is found along a frequented road or in a populated town, announce it for a year; if its claimant comes, give it to him, and if he does not come, it is yours. And whatever is found in a desolate ruin—meaning wasteland—then in it and in buried treasure is one-fifth."
The Book of Lost and Found Items
Sunan Abi Dawud 1710 - Commentary by Imam Ibn Qayyim al-Jawziyya
Hanging Fruits Ruling
The Prophet's distinction between taking for immediate consumption versus carrying away establishes the principle of necessity versus appropriation. The needy may satisfy immediate hunger without sin, but systematic taking constitutes theft.
The graduated punishment - fine for taking away, hand-cutting for storage theft - demonstrates Islamic law's wisdom in proportioning penalties to the act's severity and context.
Stray Animals Jurisprudence
The Prophet's reference to "same as others have done" indicates continuity with established Abrahamic traditions regarding livestock, requiring proper announcement and care until owners are found.
Found Property Regulations
The distinction between populated and deserted areas reflects practical wisdom. In frequented areas, the finder must exert effort to locate owners; in ancient ruins, the item is treated as treasure with one-fifth due as zakah.
The one-year announcement period balances the rights of original owners with the practical needs of finders, preventing indefinite uncertainty while ensuring due diligence.