Hitting a person while unable to drive properly, killing him, and fleeing: what is required of him
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Fatwa number ( 20246 )
Q: In the year 1394 AH, when I was part of the forces (... ) in
the country (... ), one day I took a military vehicle and entered a street crowded with people. A man was walking on foot in the middle of the street, and I was not a very good driver, which led to me hitting this man, and the car passed over him. I believe he died as a result of this impact. We had previously heard that in that country, when someone has a traffic accident, the citizens rush to beat him and smash the car, claiming it is a blood frenzy and that there is no harm in it. Therefore, I did not stop; I returned the car to the camp and did not inform anyone of it. Instead, I praised Allah for covering me and saving me from the blood frenzy that citizens direct at those who have accidents. I did not mention this matter to anyone to help me or guide me, for at that time I was ignorant and in the early stages of my youth. Otherwise, it would have been possible to look for this person's relatives and seek their forgiveness. This is the divine decree and destiny of Allah. I do not know the name or address of the person I hit, nor his relatives, nor do I know his religion. In that country, there are Muslims, Christians, and Druze. Approximately 25 years have passed since this incident, and I want to take the most cautious approach, as I do not believe he escaped death after the car passed over him. Please inform me what I should do? May Allah reward you with the best reward and prolong your lives so that you may continue your message toward Islam and Muslims.
A: If it is your strong belief that the person you hit died because of you, then you owe the expiation for accidental killing, which is: freeing a believing slave. If you cannot find one, then you must fast for two consecutive months, sixty days. The blood money for the person you hit is obligatory upon your 'aqilah (clan), considering that the country is an Islamic country. If it is not possible to pay it from the 'aqilah, it is obligatory for you to pay it to his legal heirs, and you are required to search for and investigate them. If it becomes difficult for you to identify them, then you give it in charity with the intention that it is for them. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: In the year 1394 AH, when I was part of the forces (... ) in
the country (... ), one day I took a military vehicle and entered a street crowded with people. A man was walking on foot in the middle of the street, and I was not a very good driver, which led to me hitting this man, and the car passed over him. I believe he died as a result of this impact. We had previously heard that in that country, when someone has a traffic accident, the citizens rush to beat him and smash the car, claiming it is a blood frenzy and that there is no harm in it. Therefore, I did not stop; I returned the car to the camp and did not inform anyone of it. Instead, I praised Allah for covering me and saving me from the blood frenzy that citizens direct at those who have accidents. I did not mention this matter to anyone to help me or guide me, for at that time I was ignorant and in the early stages of my youth. Otherwise, it would have been possible to look for this person's relatives and seek their forgiveness. This is the divine decree and destiny of Allah. I do not know the name or address of the person I hit, nor his relatives, nor do I know his religion. In that country, there are Muslims, Christians, and Druze. Approximately 25 years have passed since this incident, and I want to take the most cautious approach, as I do not believe he escaped death after the car passed over him. Please inform me what I should do? May Allah reward you with the best reward and prolong your lives so that you may continue your message toward Islam and Muslims.
A: If it is your strong belief that the person you hit died because of you, then you owe the expiation for accidental killing, which is: freeing a believing slave. If you cannot find one, then you must fast for two consecutive months, sixty days. The blood money for the person you hit is obligatory upon your 'aqilah (clan), considering that the country is an Islamic country. If it is not possible to pay it from the 'aqilah, it is obligatory for you to pay it to his legal heirs, and you are required to search for and investigate them. If it becomes difficult for you to identify them, then you give it in charity with the intention that it is for them. And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.