Should I Compensate the Damages Done to an Item I Have Borrowed?

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: Assalam alaykum

I have returned an item I have borrowed from a friend after damaging it. My friend didn’t complained. Can I assume that I don’t need to compensate him for the damage?

Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullah,

Yes, if the person accepts the damaged item, you can assume that they have excused you for the damage done.

This is unless the damage is not clearly discernible, in which case, you should inform them. Generally, however, you should apologise for any damage, and repent for your negligence, if any.

Consider taking: Fiqh of Life: The Everyday Halal and Haram

And Allah Most High alone knows best.

wassalam,

[Ustadh] Tabraze Azam

Checked and Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani

Ustadh Tabraze Azam holds a BSc in Computer Science from the University of Leicester, where he also served as the President of the Islamic Society. He memorised the entire Qur’an in his hometown of Ipswich at the tender age of sixteen, and has since studied the Islamic Sciences in traditional settings in the UK, Jordan and Turkey. He is currently pursuing advanced studies in Jordan, where he is presently based with his family.

Photo: Michael Mandiberg