I found a baby camel of around

Q: More than a year ago, I found a lost one month-old camel with one of my she-camels. It was hungry and thirsty; we fed it milk and cared for it for eight months until it survived. We told our neighbors about it, but no one claimed it. Is it Halal (lawful) to consider it ours?

A: If the situation is as you mentioned, that a lost new-born camel followed your she-camel, and that you told people about it but no one came to inquire about it, then it is permissible to keep it with your camels. You will be rewarded for feeding, watering and protecting it, because the Islamic Shari`ah encourages us to protect wealth. However, if its owner shows up one day, recognizes it and asks for it, you should give it to him. If you want to take fees in return for taking care of it, and its owner pays you what you agree upon, it will be fine. If you disagree on the fees, you should refer to the court in your area. (Part No. 15; Page No. 462) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.