his own wealth; yet his ownership is merely provisional and is rescinded the moment the rightful owner appears.

12 – The Prophet’s words, “Announce it for a year,” indicate that after the year has elapsed the announcement is no longer obligatory, a point on which there is consensus.

13 – The jurists state that the announcement should begin immediately upon finding the item: every day for one full week, because during that time the owner is most likely searching for it. After the week one follows local custom, and the crier proclaims, “Whoever has lost some property or funds, and the like…” They are unanimous that the finder must not give a detailed description, for someone who hears the description might falsely claim it, thereby depriving the real owner.

14 – Al-Wazīr (Ibn Hubayra) said: The majority hold that the finder of lost property is a volunteer in safeguarding it; therefore he may not recover from the owner any expenses he incurred in preserving it.

15 – Al-Muwaffaq (Ibn Qudāma) said: If a person picks up a lost item intending from the outset to keep it for himself without announcing it, he has committed a forbidden act. It is unlawful for him to take it with that intention. Should he nonetheless do so, he is liable for it and does not acquire ownership—even if he later announces it—because he took another’s wealth in a manner that was not permitted to him; thus he is like a usurper.