Feeding the needy as expiation for involuntary manslaughter


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Q: What is the ruling concerning a man who stopped his vehicle and started unloading some of the goods, and in the meantime his assistant went under the vehicle without his knowledge, and when the driver finished unloading, he got into his car which was still running, then all of a sudden he heard someone calling him from behind. His assistant was on the ground, unconscious. At once the driver offered him medical assistance and reported the accident to the concerned authorities. The assistant died and after that the family of the deceased gave up their right to the Diyah (blood money) and the driver was told that he had to pay money to emancipate a believing slave, i.e. thirty thousand riyals, and that the Sawm (Fast) was waived. The man paid the sum, but after a period of time he was also told that what he had done did not waive the Sawm. What is legal opinion in this matter?


A: If the reality was as mentioned, you should emancipate a believing slave, (Part No. 21; Page No. 277) and if you are unable to do that, you could fast two consecutive months. This is according to the texts of the Qur'an and the Sunnah. Feeding poor people does not count, because there is no evidence in Shari`ah (Islamic law) that supports it and never is your Lord forgetful.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




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