Compensation for drunk driver killing to drop charges
Question
One of our relatives passed away in India as a result of a drunk driver. The deceased was a young female. Is the family allowed to take compensation? The family is being offered money to drop the charges. The family is worried that the preparator will bribe the police and get away with the crime. In this scenario, is it permissible to take the compensation and drop the charges?
بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم
Answer
It is permissible for the family to take the compensation in this scenario if they fear justice will not be served. Under Islamic Law, the concept of Diyat (financial penalty) allows for financial compensation in such circumstances.
Allah knows best
Yusuf Shabbir
19 Rabīʿ al-Thānī 1443 / 24 November 2021
Approved by: Mufti Shabbir Ahmed and Mufti Muhammad Tahir
