Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith 609 – Volume 3, Book 42

English

Volume 3, Book 42, Number 609:
Narrated Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani:
A bedouin went to the Prophet and asked him about picking up a lost thing. The Prophet said,
"Make public announcement about it for one year. Remember the description of its container and the
string with which it is tied; and if somebody comes and claims it and describes it correctly, (give it to
him); otherwise, utilize it." He said, "O Allah's Apostle! What about a lost sheep?" The Prophet said, "It
is for you, for your brother (i.e. its owner), or for the wolf." He further asked, "What about a lost
camel?" On that the face of the Prophet became red (with anger) and said, "You have nothing to do
with it, as it has its feet, its water reserve and can reach places of water and drink, and eat trees."