If I Accidentally Use the Property of Someone Else, Do I Have to Pay?

Answered by Ustadh Farid Dingle

Question

If I accidentally use the property or amenities of someone else, do I have to pay for it?

Answer

Thank you for your important question.

Even though one is not sinful, there is still a financial right due to the person whose property or amenities one accidentally uses. (al-Ashbah wa al-Nadhair, Suyuti)

If for example, if one accidentally/mistakenly used their internet, parking space, pool time for a time period that is usually paid for, then one would have to pay for that. For example, someone had paid for parking for one month, and you ending up taking that place thinking that it was your own parking place.

The payment, however, would be based on the market value, not what they paid for it. (Minhaj al Talibin, Nawawi)

If it is an inconsiderable time that would not normally be paid for, such as accidentally sitting in the room seat at a performance for five minutes, or parking one’s car in the wrong place and then moving soon after, then there is no financial right due.

In your specific scenario, I would just contact the person whose internet you inadvertently used and explain the scenario. Unless you used a lot of their date allowance, inshaAllah they will not mind.

I pray this helps.

[Ustadh] Farid
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Farid Dingle has completed extensive years of study in the sciences of the Arabic language and the various Islamic Sciences. During his studies, he also earned a CIFE Certificate in Islamic Finance. Over the years, he has developed a masterful ability to craft lessons that help non-Arabic speakers gain a deep understanding of the language. He currently teaches courses in the Arabic Language.