Buying a commodity from someone who found it on the road

Q 2: A young man came to me with some dresses for sale. When I asked him from where he got them, he said that he was traveling to Dammam and saw a box by the side of the road with the dresses scattered around it. He collected them and came to me. So I bought them from him, and sold them, making a good profit, all praise be to Allah.

A: The property your friend found by the side of the road is considered Luqatah (a lost item found by someone other than its owner) that must be announced for one year until its owner comes to claim it. Your friend was hasty to sell the dresses for their real value, but he has to keep the price with him for a year while announcing the Luqatah. If its owner comes, the price of the dresses should be paid to him, otherwise, your friend can dispose of the money. However, if the owner comes at any time after that, the money should be paid to him. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.