How Should I Respond After Accidentally Breaking a Window?
Hanafi Fiqh
Answered by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani
Question
I accidentally broke a window in a public place. I am afraid of what might happen if I admit it. What should I do?
Answer
In the name of Allah, Most Merciful and Compassionate.
Your concern is real, and your question shows a heart that wants to do what is right. Now, your duty is to return the owner’s right, in the wisest way you can.
If you damage someone else’s property, even by accident, you are responsible for making up its value. This is a real obligation in our Sacred Law.
Whether the harm was done intentionally or by mistake, you must compensate the owner for the loss. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
Allah Most High says: “Verily Allah commands you all that you return trusts to their owners; and when you judge between men, that you judge with justice.” [Quran 4:58; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “There shall be no harming, and no reciprocating harm.” [Ibn Maja]
Two Ways Forward, One Duty
The first way is to admit what happened directly. If this means paying for repairs, having a short conversation, or paying a small fine, this is the best path.
It is the way of truthfulness (sidq).
Allah Most High loves truthfulness, and this way leaves no doubt that you have fulfilled your duty.
The second way is to make things right without revealing your name.
If admitting what happened would bring consequences far greater than the harm done, you may pay the owner back anonymously.
Estimate the window cost honestly, and if you are unsure, be a little generous. Make sure the place receives that amount.
You can use an envelope, a money order, or ask someone you trust to deliver it. What matters is that the owner receives the value of what was lost.
Once that value reaches them, the right is discharged. [Ibn Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]
What Repentance Requires Where the Rights of Others Are Concerned
Imam Nawawi (Allah have mercy on him) gives the classical formula for valid repentance (tawba). It has four parts. The first three are inward: to desist from the wrong, to regret it, and to resolve never to return.
The fourth is outward: where another’s right is involved, you must restore that right to its owner. [Nawawi, Riyad al-Salihin]
Returning what you owe is not something extra after repentance. It is part of true repentance itself.
Pay what you owe, in the way that is wisest, and then let the matter rest.
The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said: “The one who repents from a sin is like the one who has no sin.” [Ibn Maja]
May Allah bless you for this concern for rectification.
Allah Most High promises: “Verily Allah loves the oft-repentant, and loves those who keep pure.” [Quran, 2:222; Keller, The Quran Beheld]
Allah Most High’s mercy reaches the heart that has done its best.
And Allah knows best.
[Shaykh] Faraz Rabbani
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Shaykh Faraz Rabbani is a recognized specialist scholar in the Islamic sciences, having studied under leading scholars from around the world. He is the Founder and Executive Director of SeekersGuidance.Shaykh Faraz stands as a distinguished figure in Islamic scholarship. His journey in seeking knowledge is marked by dedication and depth. He spent ten years studying under some of the most revered scholars of our times. His initial studies took place in Damascus. He then continued in Amman, Jordan.
In Damascus, he was privileged to learn from the late Shaykh Adib al-Kallas. Shaykh Adib al-Kallas was renowned as the foremost theologian of his time. Shaykh Faraz also studied under Shaykh Hassan al-Hindi in Damascus. Shaykh Hassan is recognized as one of the leading Hanafi jurists of our era.
Upon completing his studies, Shaykh Faraz returned to Canada in 2007. His return marked a new chapter in his service to the community. He founded SeekersGuidance. The organization reflects his commitment to spreading Islamic knowledge. It aims to be reliable, relevant, inspiring, and accessible. This mission addresses both online and on-the-ground needs.
Shaykh Faraz is also an accomplished author. His notable work includes “Absolute Essentials of Islam: Faith, Prayer, and the Path of Salvation According to the Hanafi School,” published by White Thread Press in 2004, which is a significant contribution to Islamic literature.
His influence extends beyond his immediate community. Since 2011, Shaykh Faraz has been recognized as one of the 500 most influential Muslims. This recognition comes from the Royal Islamic Strategic Studies Center. It underscores his impact on the global Islamic discourse.
Shaykh Faraz Rabbani’s life and work embody a profound commitment to Islamic scholarship. His teachings continue to enlighten and guide seekers of knowledge worldwide.
