Book 11: Business Transactions

Abu Huraira said that when God's Messenger was brought first fruits he saw him put them on his eyes and lips and then say, "0 God, as Thou hast shown us the first of it, show us the last of it.” He would then give them to any boys who were present. Baihaqi transmitted it in [Kitab] ad-Da'awat al-kabir.

Zaid b. Khalid told that when a man came to God's Messenger and asked him about a find he said, “Note what it is contained in and what it is tied with and make the matter known for a year. Then if its owner comes give it to him, otherwise you can do what you like with it.” He asked about stray sheep (or goats) and he replied, “You, your brother, or the wolf may have them.” He asked about stray camels and he replied, “What have you to do with them? They have their stomachs and their feet. They can go down to water and eat trees till their master finds them.” In a version by Muslim he said, “Make the matter known for a year, then note what it is contained in and what it is tied with and use it for your own purposes, but if its owner comes you must deliver it to him*.” * This tradition says that after a year the finder may do as he likes with the article, but that if the owner turns up later he must restore it to him, or give him an equivalent if he has disposed of it. (Bukhari and Muslim.)

He reported God’s Messenger as saying, “He who gives refuge to a stray is astray himself as long as he does not make the matter known.” Muslim transmitted it.

‘Abd ar-Rahman b. ‘Uthman at-Taimi said that God’s Messenger prohibited taking what a pilgrim has dropped. Muslim transmitted it.