What is the ruling on lost property (luqatah) found in the territory of non-Muslims?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
If lost property found in their possession is identifiable as Muslim property, it must be announced for one year, after which the finder may own it. If it is identifiable as property of the polytheists (mushrikin), it is considered plunder (ghanimah). If the item could be either Muslim or enemy property, it should be announced for one year, then placed in the spoils of war, which is Ahmad's explicit position. The announcement takes place in the Muslim lands because the matter holds both the ruling of Muslim property (through announcement) and the ruling of enemy property (as plunder), erring on the side of caution (ihtiyat).
Supporting text
If the property is sold, its price must be returned to the division of spoils.