Is the killing of a friend's child by car (while the driver is young, unlicensed, and driving a technically unsound car) considered premeditated murder or accidental killing?
Driving a car without a license, or if it is technically unfit, is forbidden in Islamic law due to the danger it poses to lives and property. It is obligatory to adhere to the laws of the state as long as they do not contradict Islamic law. The driver must repent to Allah, and expiation and blood money are due to the family of the deceased, to be paid by his 'aqila (male kin on the father's side). The expiation is the freeing of a believing slave; if one is not found, then fasting for two consecutive months, based on the Almighty’s saying: "And it is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake…" (The verse continues). This killing is classified as unintentional killing, and the driver is sinful due to his negligence and failure to take precautions.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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