Fatwa ID: 06541

Answered by: Maulana Yūsuf Badāt

Question:

If a driver is in a trajectory to hit a pedestrian, can the pedestrian defend himself by throwing an object that destroys the car and driver, so he is unharmed?

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Saving oneself from all dangers and harm is an Islamic imperative. However, saving oneself by harming another is impermissible in Islam. That being said, it is unlawful to destroy a car and its driver to protect oneself from an anticipated accident. – (See: Al-Qawāid Al-Fiqhiyyah, Page 31¹ and 32², Dār Al-Tirmidhī)

The Prophet (peace and blessing be upon him) said, “Harming others or reciprocating harm of others is not permissible [in Islam].” – (Muwaṭṭa Mālik 1435)³

Only Allāh knows best

Written by Maulana Yūsuf Badāt

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham

1 الضرر يدفع بقدر الإمكان – القواعد الفقهية ص٣١ دار الترمذي

2 لا يجوز للإنسان ان يدفع الغرق عن ارضه باغراق ارض غيره ولا ان يحفظ ماله باتلاف مال غيره – القواعد الفقهية ص٣٢ دار الترمذي

3 لا ضرر ولا ضرار – رواه مالك في المؤطا ١٤٣٥