What is the obligation concerning a garment thrown into one's house by the wind?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Usurpation

Book 22 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the wind casts another person's garment into one's house, the possessor is obligated to safeguard it, as it constitutes a trust (*amanah*) that has come into his possession, similar to finding lost property (*luqtah*). If the owner is unknown, the item is treated as *luqtah*, and its rulings apply. If the owner is known, the possessor must notify him. Failure to do so results in liability for the item.

Supporting text

If the owner is known but is not notified, the possessor becomes liable because he withheld another's property without permission and without making the required public announcement, thus taking on the status of a usurper (*ghasib*).