The Ruling on Found Property

Question

During a journey Zayd found a rather valuable camera on a train. He informed the railway authorities of it so that they would publicise it in various places and so that whoever the camera belonged to could take it from him. A year and a half has passed, but no claimant for it has appeared. What should now be done with this camera? And after what period can a right of ownership over this camera be acquired?

Answer

This is luqata (found property). Its ruling is that he should not use it himself, should keep it safely, should not let it be damaged, and should keep searching for the owner; if suitable, he should place an announcement in the newspapers.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.