What are the legitimate Sharia methods for extracting earthly treasures – buried hoards (Rikaz)?

First, "Rikaz" refers to treasure found buried in the ground from the pre-Islamic era (Jahiliyyah). Islamic law obliges a one-fifth (khums) share of it, whether considered as zakat or fay'. The remainder belongs to the one who extracted it, if it was from his land or shared land. It must bear signs indicating it is from the Jahiliyyah burial; otherwise, it is considered a lost item (luqatah). It is not permissible to search for treasures in land owned by others.

Second, it is forbidden in Islamic law to use unlawful methods to extract treasures, such as seeking the help of sorcerers, diviners, and jinn, due to the polytheism (shirk) involved and the unlawful extortion of people's money. Sensible people should not waste their lives searching for such treasures but should strive to seek lawful sustenance through permissible means, for whoever seeks money through alchemy goes bankrupt.

However, for those who avoid forbidden methods, there is no harm in seeking Rikaz and searching for it using permissible material means.