Should I Confess I Accidentally Started a Fire in a Friend’s House?
Answered by Ustadha Shazia Ahmad
Question
Over 10 years ago, I unintentionally caused an incident that nearly led to a family’s home catching fire, resulting in significant expenses and stress. They were unaware of my involvement. Should I now confess, or is there another way to seek forgiveness for this unintentional mistake?
Answer
Thank you for your question. I empathize with your worry and encourage you to repent and compensate them without informing them because it will damage the relationship. However, if you want to remove the burden of guilt and secrecy, which will only worsen over time, come clean, it will serve you better.
Compensation
Al-Imam Mawardi (Allah have mercy on him) stated, “Whoever damages something is obliged to compensate for it.” [Al-Hawi Al-Kabir, Vol. 7/p.121].
al-Imam Ramli (Allah have mercy on him) stated, “Whoever damages the property of another, or transgresses its use, is obliged to pay the replacement value of what he damaged, the wages for what he used, and the like.” [Nihayat al-Muhtaj].
You must pay back the family for the expenses incurred, perhaps by making an anonymous gift or buying them a new bed, sheets, or the value of whatever they lost. If you come clean, they might not be angry, as it has been ten years, and you can ask them how to repay them. They might forgive you, or they might ask for a certain amount; be prepared for that.
Burden
Seeking forgiveness and being honest with people is conducive to gaining the forgiveness and generosity of Allah Most High. I encourage you to fulfill your duty to Allah Most High and those around you. Ask for ease and facilitation in this matter, and I am certain that you will find a way to repay them. Lifting this heavy burden will give you clarity and light by His grace.
Please see these links as well:
Am I Responsible for Childhood and Adolescent Errors?
Do I Compensate For Accidental Loss and Damage To Someone’s Property?
Should I Confess to My Mother Something Wrong I Did to Her?
Can I Pay Charity as Expiation for Damaging Someone’s Property?
Do I Have to Pay Back Damages Caused to Public Property?
What Should I Do After Scratching a Car by Mistake?
May Allah give you the best of this world and the next.
[Ustadha] Shazia Ahmad
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Irshaad Sedick
Ustadha Shazia Ahmad lived in Damascus, Syria for two years where she studied aqida, fiqh, tajweed, tafsir, and Arabic. She then attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she completed her Masters in Arabic. Afterward, she moved to Amman, Jordan where she studied fiqh, Arabic, and other sciences. She later moved back to Mississauga, Canada, where she lives with her family.
