Lost camels

420

Q: I found a baby camel of around twenty days and took it to my farm. I raised it and announced it to the people around me. During the period I kept it with me, I fed it barley and clover from the farm. Now after two years, no one has claimed it, although I still announce it to people. When I first found it, I took it for fear that it would die from hunger or be eaten by wolves, as it was very young. Now, I do not know what to do with it. Is it Halal (lawful) for me to keep it? Please guide me in this matter. I am waiting for your Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar).

A: If the matter is as you mentioned, that the camel was so young that it could not protect itself from beasts of prey and could not reach fresh water, it will be permissible for you to keep it with your camels. If ever its owner comes to claim it, you should give it to him. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.