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What is the ruling on receiving financial compensation for damages, such as when a court rules for a financial penalty in favor of the injured party to cover the expenses incurred during the trial?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The texts of Islamic law indicate the legitimacy of compensation for damages. Evidence for this includes:

The Noble Verses: "So whoever has assaulted you, then assault him in like manner as he has assaulted you" [Al-Baqarah: 194], and "And if you punish [an enemy], then punish with an equivalent of that with which you were afflicted" [An-Nahl: 126], and "The recompense of an evil deed is an evil deed like it" [Ash-Shura: 40]. The story of David and Solomon - upon them be peace - regarding their judgment to compensate the owner of the crop damaged by the grazing sheep. The hadith of Aisha - may Allah be pleased with her - when a bowl was broken: "Food for food, and utensil for utensil." The Prophet's - peace and blessings be upon him - ruling concerning Al-Bara' bin Azib's she-camel: "Whatever livestock damage at night, their owners are liable for it." The saying of the Prophet - peace and blessings be upon him: "Whoever stops an animal in a public thoroughfare of the Muslims... and it treads with a hand or a foot, he is liable." The saying of the Prophet - peace and blessings be upon him: "None of you should take his brother's belongings, whether seriously or in jest. And if one of you takes his brother's stick, he should return it to him."

The jurists have established general principles for this legitimacy, such as: "Harm must be removed." Therefore, compensation is permissible and lawful as long as it does not exceed the extent of the damage incurred.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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