consuming it and then paying its value, or selling it and safeguarding the proceeds.

The third category comprises property that can be preserved by some treatment, such as fresh dates. In such a case the finder should take whichever course best serves the owner’s interest: he may either sell it and keep the price safe, or dry it and store it.

The fourth category is property that requires ongoing expense, such as animals, and animals are of two types:

1. An animal that cannot fend for itself: here the finder may choose among three options—slaughtering and eating it while guaranteeing its price, leaving it in place while voluntarily spending on its upkeep, or selling it and safeguarding the proceeds.
2. An animal that can fend for itself: if it is found in the open desert he should leave it; if he finds it in a settled area he may choose among the same three options.

Section. If an abandoned infant is discovered by the roadside, taking him in, raising him, and assuming responsibility for him is a collective duty. He must be placed only in the care of a trustworthy guardian. If money is found with him, the ruler spends on him from that money; if none is found, his maintenance is drawn from the public treasury.

Section. A deposit (wadiʿa) is a trust. It is commendable for one who can discharge the trust to accept it, and he incurs no liability unless he acts wrongfully. The depositary’s word is accepted if he claims to have returned the deposit to its owner. He must keep it in a secure place suited to it; and if, when asked to produce it, he delays despite being able to do so until it is lost, he becomes liable.