What is the ruling if the first finder tells the second to announce the item, stating that ownership should remain with the first finder?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Lost-and-Found Property

Book 29 · Issue 5 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the first finder instructs the second to announce the item with the condition that ownership remains his, this is valid. The first finder appointed the second as his agent (wakil) for the announcement, which is valid, similar to if the item remained in the first finder's hand.