What is the ruling on searching for antiquities under houses using jinn and mercury, knowing that whoever finds them considers them their private property and not the state's?
The method some people use to search for treasures is often sorcery, charlatanism, and forbidden tricks. As for treasures found in lands, if they are from the pre-Islamic era (Rikaz), one-fifth of them is to be extracted and spent on the same categories as , and the remainder belongs to the landowner. However, if they were buried by Muslims, they are considered lost property (Luqata) and must be announced for a year. If the owner or their heirs appear, the treasure belongs to them; otherwise, it is permissible to utilize it, provided it is returned to its owner whenever they appear. Regarding minerals, jurists have differed. Some believe they belong to the landowner, while others believe they belong to all Muslims, to be managed by the Imam. The majority of scholars hold that minerals are an appurtenance to the land and are owned through ownership of the land.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 100993
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Read the full answer on Ftawy