The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
حَدَّثَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَبَّاسٍ، حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّحْمَنِ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنْ رَبِيعَةَ، حَدَّثَنِي يَزِيدُ، مَوْلَى الْمُنْبَعِثِ عَنْ زَيْدِ بْنِ خَالِدٍ الْجُهَنِيِّ ـ رضى الله عنه ـ قَالَ جَاءَ أَعْرَابِيٌّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَسَأَلَهُ عَمَّا يَلْتَقِطُهُ فَقَالَ " عَرِّفْهَا سَنَةً، ثُمَّ احْفَظْ عِفَاصَهَا وَوِكَاءَهَا، فَإِنْ جَاءَ أَحَدٌ يُخْبِرُكَ بِهَا، وَإِلاَّ فَاسْتَنْفِقْهَا ". قَالَ يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ فَضَالَّةُ الْغَنَمِ قَالَ " لَكَ أَوْ لأَخِيكَ أَوْ لِلذِّئْبِ ". قَالَ ضَالَّةُ الإِبِلِ فَتَمَعَّرَ وَجْهُ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم. فَقَالَ " مَا لَكَ وَلَهَا، مَعَهَا حِذَاؤُهَا وَسِقَاؤُهَا، تَرِدُ الْمَاءَ وَتَأْكُلُ الشَّجَرَ ".
A bedouin went to the Prophet (ﷺ) and asked him about picking up a lost thing. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Make
public announcement about it for one year. Remember the description of its container and the string
with which it is tied; and if somebody comes and claims it and describes it correctly, (give it to him);
otherwise, utilize it." He said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! What about a lost sheep?" The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "It is
for you, for your brother (i.e. its owner), or for the wolf." He further asked, "What about a lost
camel?" On that the face of the Prophet (ﷺ) became red (with anger) and said, "You have nothing to do
with it, as it has its feet, its water reserve and can reach places of water and drink, and eat trees."
Narrated by Narrated Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani:
Context
In this hadith, a Bedouin approached the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) seeking guidance on what to do with a lost item. The Prophet (ﷺ) instructed him to announce the lost item publicly for a year and to remember its details. When the man inquired about lost livestock, the Prophet (ﷺ) emphasized that a lost sheep could be claimed by its owner or used by the finder, but he expressed frustration regarding lost camels, highlighting their ability to survive independently.
Modern Application
This principle of handling lost items encourages individuals to act responsibly and ethically. In today's context, it promotes the importance of making efforts to return lost property while also allowing for practical solutions when the owner cannot be found, fostering a sense of community and accountability.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Ethics of Interaction and Social Responsibility because it illustrates the importance of ethical behavior in dealing with lost property and emphasizes the responsibility individuals have towards their community.
And O my people, this is the she-camel of Allah - [she is] to you a sign. So let her feed upon Allah 's earth and do not touch her with harm, or you will be taken by an impending punishment."
And of the camels, two and of the cattle, two. Say, "Is it the two males He has forbidden or the two females or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Or were you witnesses when Allah charged you with this? Then who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah to mislead the people by [something] other than knowledge? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people."
And the camels and cattle We have appointed for you as among the symbols of Allah; for you therein is good. So mention the name of Allah upon them when lined up [for sacrifice]; and when they are [lifeless] on their sides, then eat from them and feed the needy and the beggar. Thus have We subjected them to you that you may be grateful.
This hadith is #2330 from Sahih al-Bukhari, in the Book of Lost Things Picked up by Someone (Luqatah). It is graded Sahih and narrated by Narrated Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani:.
