What is the ruling on disposing of a stray Iranian sheep that was raised and treated by me until it gave birth to two lambs?
The ewe found by a person is considered a luqatah (lost and found item), and it must be publicly announced for a full year in places where its owner is likely to be found.
After the year has passed without the owner being found, the finder has three choices:
1. Consume it immediately: Based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying regarding lost sheep: "It is for you, or for your brother, or for the wolf." If he wishes to consume it, he must preserve its description to guarantee its value to its owner should he appear. 2. Keep it and spend on it: While retaining the right to claim the expenses of its upkeep from the owner upon his appearance. This requires documenting the expenditure with witnesses. 3. Sell it and keep its price: To hand it over to the owner whenever he appears.
Whatever is produced by the ewe falls under its original ruling. The ruling does not differ whether the ewe was found in the desert or a village.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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