What is the ruling if one finder tells the other, 'Bring it here,' and the second finder takes the item?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Lost-and-Found Property

Book 29 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The determination of ownership depends entirely upon the intention (*niyyah*) of the finder who took the item. If the individual took the item for their own benefit, ownership is established solely for that taker, excluding the person who gave the instruction. However, if the taker acted as an agent specifically for the instructor, ownership accrues to the instructor, similar to a situation where one is commissioned to hunt on behalf of another.