Causing the baby's death after wrapping it with a heavy blanket

429

Q: My mother caused the death of her nursing daughter by mistake when she wrapped it in a heavy blanket. Three months later, my mother died. Is Kaffarah (expiation) due on my mother? How can I offer it on her behalf?

A: If the girl could not breathe and died because of the heavy blanket which your mother wrapped her in, (Part No. 21; Page No. 417) offering Kaffarah is necessary, which is to manumit a believing bondsman, and if this is not available, one must fast for two successive months. Since your mother has died, you must offer the Kaffarah from her inheritance, if any, by purchasing a slave and manumitting it. If this is not possible, it is acceptable for you or any of your mother's relatives to fast for two successive months on her behalf. The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated, "Whoever died and had some days to fast, their Waliy should fast them on their behalf." (Agreed upon by Al-Bukhari and Muslim as Hadith Sahih, authentic Hadith). The Wali mentioned in the Hadith is the relative.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.