Must compensation be paid to the owner of an animal run over and killed by a car, knowing that he leaves it in the road?
If a driver hits a human or an animal with their car, they are liable for what was damaged if it was due to their negligence; otherwise, they are not. Examples of negligence include driving while drowsy, excessive speeding, not avoiding a possible collision, or driving a car with faulty brakes. "Research by the Council of Senior Scholars" affirmed that the driver is not liable for blood money (Diyah) or compensation if they maintained their car and a sudden malfunction occurred despite their adherence to regulations and being overwhelmed by the situation. However, if they were negligent, they are liable for any damage to life or property. The resolution of the Islamic Fiqh Academy stated that traffic accidents are subject to the rulings of criminal offenses, such as "error," and the driver is responsible for damages unless the accident was caused by an act of God (force majeure), the action of the injured party, or the fault of a third party. If the driver and the injured party both contributed to the damage, each bears responsibility for what was damaged by the other. Sheikh Ibn Baz stated that the driver is liable for blood money and expiation (kaffarah) if death resulted from a car accident due to speeding or drowsiness, and the blood money is to be paid by the 'Aqilah (male relatives on the father's side). However, if the driver was not at fault, there is no liability upon them. In summary: If there was no negligence or possibility of avoiding the accident, the driver is not liable for anything; otherwise, they are obliged to compensate.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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