Animals that can protect themselves from small predators. Examples include camels, horses, cattle, and mules.

RULING = It is prohibited to take possession of such animals, and ownership cannot be claimed even after public announcement. This is based on the Prophet’s statement in the aforementioned ḥadīth: ((ما لك ولها، دعها فإن معها حذاءها، وسقاءها، ترد الماء، وتأكل الشجر حتى يجدها ربها)). "What concern is it of yours? Leave them, for they have their hooves and their water supply; they drink water and graze on trees until their owner finds them." BENEFIT: Animals can protect themselves due to their large size, such as camels, horses, and cattle; or their ability to fly, like birds; or their speed in running, like gazelles; or their capacity to defend themselves with their fangs, like cheetahs. NOTE: Some scholars include in this category large instruments, tools, and heavy equipment—in general, anything that is self-preserving and not at risk of being lost. It is therefore prohibited to take or claim ownership of such items, just as it is with camels and similar animals. In fact, the prohibition may be even more applicable in such cases. 3. سائر الأموال = يجوز التقاطه، ويلزمه تعريفه Items that may be collected but must be publicly announced. Examples include gold, silver, merchandise, and items that are vulnerable to small predators, such as sheep and chickens. RULING = The finder is permitted to take possession of them but must make a public announcement to locate the rightful owner. This ruling applies to individuals who are trustworthy and capable of properly announcing the found item. BENEFIT: Scholars unanimously agree on the permissibility of picking up this type of lost property. However, the question arises: Is it better to take possession of such property, or is it preferable to leave it? Some scholars hold that it is better to refrain from picking it up. Others argue that it is preferable to take possession of the lost item and publicly announce it. A third group differentiates based on circumstances: if the item is at risk of being lost or destroyed if left unattended, then picking it up is preferable. For example, if someone finds a stray sheep in the wilderness and fears it may be eaten by predators, taking possession of it is the better course of action, as it helps preserve the property of a fellow Muslim. However, if the item is not at risk of being lost, then refraining from picking it up is preferable, as doing so absolves one of any potential liability. ----------------------- المسألة الثالثة: بعض الأحكام المتعلقة بها Some Related Rulings 1. If the lost item is an edible animal, the finder has three options: A- Consume it and pay its value to the owner. B- Sell it and keep the proceeds for the owner after noting its characteristics. C- Keep it and cover its expenses without claiming ownership. If the owner later appears and takes possession, the finder is entitled to reimbursement for the expenses incurred. 2. If the lost item is perishable, such as fruit, the finder has two options: A- Consume it and pay its value to the owner. B- Sell it and retain the proceeds until the rightful owner claims them. 3. If the lost item is money, utensils, or other goods, the finder must safeguard them as a trust and publicly announce them in communal gatherings. 4. It is not permissible to take possession of luqaṭah unless the finder is confident in their ability to (1) safeguard it and (2) publicly announce it. 5. Upon picking it up, the finder must record its distinguishing features and announce it for a full year by making public proclamations in communal gatherings. BENEFIT: It is OBLIGATORY for anyone who picks up a lost item to publicly announce it, whether they intend to claim ownership or simply safeguard it for its rightful owner—except in the case of insignificant items that are not typically sought after by the average person. This ruling is based on the statement of the Prophet ﷺ when asked about lost property: