WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FIND SOMETHING ON THE STREET?

Sometimes, while walking down the street, we might find money or something valuable. Can we keep it for ourselves? Should we give it as charity? Or maybe we shouldn’t touch it at all? This is a common issue nowadays.

According to Sharia, whoever finds a lost item must announce it publicly and make an effort to find its owner. Taking something you found on the street and keeping it for yourself, thinking “No one is watching” or “Maybe God gave it to me,” is not in line with Islamic teachings.

In a hadith narrated by Zayd ibn Khalid al-Juhani (may Allah be pleased with him): “The Prophet (ﷺ) said: ‘Whoever secretly keeps a lost item as his own is misguided.’” (Muslim, Ahmad).

If someone finds something on the street, they should announce: “If anyone has lost something, go to such-and-such place and meet such-and-such person!” The person claiming the item must describe it and prove it is theirs.

If the found item is perishable, like fruit or food, it is allowed to eat it. If it is in large quantities, it should be sold by the order of a judge, and the money kept in trust. (Fatawa Hindiyya, 2/300).

If the owner is not found, the finder should keep the item for one year. If the owner comes, it must be returned. If not, the item becomes the property of the finder. However, if the owner appears at any time, the finder must return the item or its value.

The Companions asked the Prophet (ﷺ) about finding gold or silver. The Messenger of Allah said: “Announce its container and its string. Then wait for one year. If you do not find the owner, use it for your needs. But keep it as a trust with you. Whenever someone comes and claims it, return it.” (Muslim).

So, no matter how much time passes, a lost item never truly becomes the property of the finder. If the owner appears, it must be returned or its value paid.

Hasan AMANKUL