Ja'far bin Iyas · The Chapters on Lost Property

“I was with my father in Bawazij and the cows came back in the evening. He saw a cow did not recognize it. He said: 'What is this?' He said: 'A cow that joined the herd.' And he issued orders that it be driven away until it disappeared from view. Then he said: 'I heard the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) say: “No one gives refuge to a stray animal but one who is also astray.”

He turned red, and he said: “What does it have to do with you? It has its feet and its water supply, it can go and drink water and eat from the trees until its owner finds it.” And he was asked about lost sheep, and he said: “Take it, for it will be for you or for your brother or for the wolf.” And he was asked about lost property and he said: “Remember the features of its leather…