Picking up a lost item (Luqata)
Luqata, i.e., a lost item, is the lost property of a person that someone else picks up. Picking up a lost item is sometimes Mustahab (recommended), sometimes Mubah (permissible), and sometimes Haram (forbidden). If there is a fear that the item will be destroyed if not picked up, then picking it up with the intention of returning it to the rightful owner is Mustahab, and according to the Shafi'is, it is Wajib (obligatory). If there is no fear of loss, then picking it up is Mubah. And picking it up with the intention that one will keep it for oneself and not return it to the rightful owner is Haram, because the Prophet ﷺ said: "It is Halal for one to pick up a lost item only if one intends to announce it." (Aham Masail/Vol:1/Pg:123)
