A man asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about the Luqata. He said, "Make public announcement of it for one year, then remember the description of its container and the string it is tied with, utilize the money, and if its owner comes back after that, give it to him." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What about a lost sheep?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Take it, for it is for you, for your brother, or for the wolf." The man asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What about a lost camel?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) got angry and his cheeks or face became red, and said, "You have no concern with it as it has its feet, and its watercontainer, till its owner finds it."
Lost Things Picked up by Someone (Luqatah)
Sahih al-Bukhari 2436
Hadith Text
A man asked Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) about the Luqata. He said, "Make public announcement of it for one year, then remember the description of its container and the string it is tied with, utilize the money, and if its owner comes back after that, give it to him." The people asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What about a lost sheep?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Take it, for it is for you, for your brother, or for the wolf." The man asked, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What about a lost camel?" Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) got angry and his cheeks or face became red, and said, "You have no concern with it as it has its feet, and its watercontainer, till its owner finds it."
Commentary on Monetary Luqatah
The Prophet (ﷺ) established distinct rulings for different types of lost property. For money or valuable items, one must publicly announce the finding for one full year while carefully noting its distinguishing features. During this period, the finder may use the money but remains liable to return the equivalent value if the owner appears. This demonstrates Islam's balance between preserving owners' rights and preventing waste of resources.
Commentary on Lost Sheep
Sheep, being vulnerable animals unable to fend for themselves, may be taken by the finder because leaving them exposes them to predators or starvation. The phrase "for you, for your brother, or for the wolf" indicates that if not taken, the sheep will perish, benefiting no one. This ruling reflects the Islamic principle of preventing unnecessary loss and harm to living creatures.
Commentary on Lost Camel
The Prophet's (ﷺ) anger at the question about camels stems from their nature as strong, self-sufficient animals capable of finding water and defending themselves. Camels can survive independently until their owner retrieves them. Taking such animals would constitute unlawful appropriation of others' property. The Prophet's visible displeasure emphasizes the gravity of interfering with property rights without legitimate cause.
Legal Wisdom
This hadith establishes the Islamic legal principle that rulings vary according to circumstances and the nature of the property. The Shari'ah considers the vulnerability, value, and self-sufficiency of lost items when determining appropriate treatment. The preservation of property rights remains paramount, while allowing for practical considerations that prevent waste and unnecessary loss.