Lost camels

Q: There is a young camel whose leg has been broken since last month of Rajab. We have been taking care of it among the camels that we stall-feed. It is regarded as defective. (Part No. 15; Page No. 466) No one has claimed it since the time we found it until now. If those who are taking care of it leave it, it will probably die. There are some people who want to buy it. What is the Shar‘y (Islamically lawful) way of dealing with this? We send you our best wishes.

A: You have to announce the characteristics that distinguish it and the time that you found it among your camels. You can then sell it for the same price that would be paid for a camel like it. After that, you should declare the sum of money that you got for it for one year in the places that you think you are most likely to find its owner. If its owner claims it, you have to give them the money; otherwise you should give it away as Sadaqah (voluntary charity) on their behalf. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.