A student dying in the bus accident with the driver 75% at fault

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Q: I would like to tell your Eminence that I am a bus driver for a charitable society in `Afif. I had an accident in `Afif in Rajab, 1416 A.H. (Part No. 21; Page No. 463) I was held responsible for the accident by 75%. A student died in the accident, but praise be to Allah, his family forgave me. I asked a judge who told me to fast for two consecutive months or to free a believing slave. If I had to fast, I could not fast for two consecutive months, since I am seventy-five-years old and ill due to the accident that affected my head. Besides, I had hard financial circumstances and could not pay money or free a slave. My second question is: Is there a Kaffarah (expiation) on me and is it permissible for me to fast two non-consecutive months? This is my ability, I can not fast them consecutively. Guide me, may Allah reward you with the best and guide you to what He likes and is pleased with.

A: If the case is as you have mentioned, you should offer the Kaffarah, meaning to free a believing slave, and if you are unable to do so, you are to fast for two consecutive months. Allah (Exalted be He) says, ...and whosoever kills a believer by mistake, (it is ordained that) he must set free a believing slave ... And whoso finds this (the penance of freeing a slave) beyond his means, he must fast for two consecutive months in order to seek repentance from Allâh. It is impermissible to fast two months inconsecutively, for (Part No. 21; Page No. 464) continuity in Sawm is a must in this case. If you are not able to fast now, you can delay it until you recover.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.