The Chapters on Lost Property

Zayd ibn Khālid al-Juhani (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) was asked about the lost and picked up item that is made of gold or silver, whereupon he said: "Remember the description of its container and the string with which it is tied. Make a public announcement of it for one year. If nobody comes and claims it, then utilize the money but keep it as a trust with you. If its owner comes back one day seeking it, then return it to him." Then, he asked him about the lost camel, whereupon the Prophet (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) said: "It is none of your concern. Leave it, for it has its feet and a water container (reservoir), and it will reach water and eat from the trees until its owner finds it." He then asked him about the lost sheep, whereupon he said: "Take it, for it is either for you, or for your brother, or for the wolf."

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A man bought a piece of land from another man, and the one who bought the land found in his land a jar containing gold. The one who bought the land said to the other: 'Take your gold. I only bought the land; I did not buy the gold.' The one who owned the land said: 'I sold you the land along with everything in it.' So they turned to a man seeking his judgment. The person they sought his judgment said to both of them: 'Do you have any children?' One of them said: 'I have a son.' The other said: 'I have a daughter.' He said: 'Marry the boy to the girl, spend it on their living expenses and give charity.’"