((عرّفها سنة، ثم اعرف عفاصها ووكائها، فإن جاء أحدٌ يخبرك بها وإلا فاستنفقها))

"Announce it for a year, then ascertain its binding and its container. If someone comes forward with a proper claim, return it to them; otherwise, use it." BENEFIT: Al-Hafidh Ibn Hajar (may Allāh have mercy on him) said: “قال العلماء: محل ذلك المحافل كأبواب المساجد والأسواق ونحو ذلك، يقول: من ضاعت له نفقة أو نحو ذلك من العبارات، ولا يذكر شيئًا من الصفات”. “Scholars have stated that the appropriate places for making announcements about lost property are public gatherings, such as the entrances of masjids, marketplaces, and similar locations. One should say, ‘Whoever has lost some money for expenses’ or similar general phrases, without mentioning specific details.” لقول عمر رضي الله عنه لواجد الذهب: قل: الذهب بطريق الشام...الذهب بطريق الشام. This is based on the statement of Umar (may Allāh be pleased with him) to the one who found gold: ‘Say: Gold on the road to Sham… Gold on the road to Sham.’" He SHOULD NOT describe the item in detail because if he does, those who hear the announcement will know its characteristics, making the description no longer a valid means of proving ownership. Additionally, this could lead to someone falsely claiming the item by repeating the details they heard, thereby depriving the rightful owner of their property. NOTE: The purpose of publicising lost property is to inform as many people as possible so that its rightful owner may be among them and can reclaim it. Modern means of communication and media effectively serve this purpose. NOTE: It is important to note that making announcements about lost property inside masjid is not permissible. In Sahih Muslim (869), it is reported from Buraidah (may Allāh be pleased with him): “أن رجلًا نشد في المسجد فقال: من دعا إلى الجمل الأحمر؟ فقال النبي ﷺ: ((لا وجدت؛ إنما بُنيت المساجد لما بُنيت له)). “that a man made an announcement in the masjid, saying, ‘Who has found the red camel?’ The Prophet ﷺ said, ‘May you never find it! Masjids are only built for what they are intended.’” Additionally, Abu Hurairah (may Allāh be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allāh ﷺ said: ((إذا رأيتم من يبيع أو يبتاع في المسجد فقولوا: لا أربح الله تجارتك، وإذا رأيتم من ينشد فيه ضالّةً فقولوا: لا ردّ الله عليك)) “If you see someone buying or selling in the masjid, say: ‘May Allah not grant you profit in your trade.’ And if you see someone announcing a lost item, say: ‘May Allah not return it to you.’” [Reported by At-Tirmidhi] The prohibition of announcing lost items in the masjid extends to the finder publicising the item. HALAL ALTERNATIVES: To avoid this, (1) someone who has lost something should stand outside the masjid entrance and inquire about it. Similarly, if an item is found, (2) a notice can be written and posted outside the masjid, informing people about the found property. HOW OFTEN TO ANNOUNCE? The correct view is that this matter is determined by customary practice (‘urf). Whatever people generally consider an appropriate means of publicising a lost item is sufficient for fulfilling the requirement, as the Shari'ah has prescribed the obligation of announcing lost property without specifying a particular method. Therefore, its definition is referred back to customary practice. This opinion was affirmed by Al-Mardawi in Al-Insaf (may Allāh have mercy on him). However, the frequency of announcing should be more during the first weeks of finding the lost item. 6. The finder of a luqaṭah may claim ownership of it after publicly announcing it for a full year. NOTE: The finder is not permitted to use the item until he has determined its binding, container, quantity, type, and characteristics. -> Some scholars have stated that it is recommended to write down these details to ensure accuracy and prevent forgetfulness if one relies solely on memory.