What is the ruling on taking and using watches belonging to deceased persons and ambulance patients, which no one has inquired about for ten years, knowing that they are of little value?
Watches that have remained for more than ten years without being inquired about are considered to be in the same category as property whose owner cannot be identified. It is permissible for the possessor to give them away in charity on behalf of their owner. If the owner appears later, they have the choice between ratifying the charity, or taking an equivalent item, or its value. The reward for the charity goes to the one who gave it. If these watches are insignificant, such that their owners would not be expected to search for them, then the finder may benefit from them without needing to publicize them.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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