What are the Sharia implications for the driver or their family regarding the blood money (diyya) in the event of a fatal accident caused by speeding?
One who exceeds the speed limit and causes the death of people is considered to have committed accidental killing (qatl khata'), which necessitates two things: the blood money (diyah) to be paid by the killer's 'aqila (male relatives on the father's side) to the family of the deceased, unless they forgive, and the expiation (kaffarah), which is: freeing a believing slave. If one cannot find a slave, then fasting for two consecutive months. If one is permanently unable to fast, then feeding sixty needy people, as stated in the verse: "And it is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake - then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation [diyah] presented to his family, unless they give [it] as charity. But if he was from a people hostile to you and he was a believer - then the freeing of a believing slave. And if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty - then a compensation presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. And whoever does not find [one or afford it] - then a fast for two consecutive months as repentance to Allah. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise." Therefore, the driver's 'aqila owes diyah for each person who died, and he personally owes kaffarah for each individual if he is alive; if he dies, it is taken from his estate.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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