Am I Liable For Misusing Prescription Medication?

Answered by Shaykh Yusuf Weltch

Question

Am I religiously liable for misusing prescribed medication if my insurance covers most of the cost and I need a refill due to my own negligence?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

The unintentional misuse or loss of prescription medication that the insurance company subsidizes is not sinful, as Islam does not hold one accountable for accidental or unintentional acts.

The Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and give him peace) said,

“Allah has pardoned for my community accidents, forgetfulness, and that which they were coerced to do.” [Ibn Maja]

If this becomes a repeated offence, it is less likely to be accidental and more likely to be potentially sinful negligence.

Hope this helps
Allah knows best
[Shaykh] Yusuf Weltch
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Shaykh Yusuf Weltch is a teacher of Arabic, Islamic law, and spirituality. After accepting Islam in 2008, he went on to study at Darul Uloom Seminary in New York and completed his studies at Darul Mustafa in Tarim, Yemen.

There, he completed the memorization of the Quran and his study of Islamic Sciences. Throughout his years of study, he was blessed to learn from many great scholars: Habib Umar bin Hafiz, Habib Kazhim al-Saqqaf, Shaykh ‘Umar bin Husayn al-Khatib, and others.

Upon returning, he joined the SeekersGuidance faculty in the summer of 2019.