Returning an item left behind by the owner

Q: An electrician once came to my home and left his cutter. Now, I don’t have any chance of meeting him. Can I use the cutter myself?

A: It is not permissible for you to use his cutter. This wealth is regarded as luqtah (lost item). Make enquiries regarding his whereabouts and return it to him.

And Allah Ta'ala (الله تعالى) knows best.

فأما (النوع الثاني) وهو ما يعلم أن صاحبه يطلبه فمن يرفعه فعليه أن يحفظه ويعرفه ليوصله إلى صاحبه وبدأ الكتاب به ورواه عن إبراهيم قال في اللقطة يعرفها حولا فإن جاء صاحبها وإلا تصدق بها (المبسوط للسرخسي 11/3)

Answered by:

Mufti Zakaria Makada

Checked & Approved:

Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)