Q:
1. A person had thrown away a large number office files. There was nothing wrong with many of these files. I retrieved one file from his dirt bin and have been using it ever since. I remember hearing a ruling that once a person disposes an item, it is permissible for others to take it without the permission of the former owner. Is this correct?
2. Secular students in some places go through the outdoor rubbish bins at the places where their exams are printed before the dirt is collected by the garbage services. They hope to find copies of their upcoming exams that have been thrown away due to printing errors and similar reasons. They do not trespass onto property. Is this permissible?
A:
1. Yes.
2. You should refer this to the authorities as to whether this is acceptable to them.
And Allah Ta’ala (الله تعالى) knows best.
Answered by:
Mufti Ebrahim Salejee (Isipingo Beach)