Answered by Shaykh Amjad Rasheed
Yes, he is. Abu Dawood and an-Nasa‘i narrated that, “the Prophet r borrowed a shield from Safwan ibn Umayya on the day of Hunayn and Safwan said, “Are you taking it by force?” So the Prophet r said, “ It is rather a loan under my responsibility.”
It is permissible, however, for you to acquit your friend from his responsibility.
Being financially liable for the book means that your friend is responsible to you for its value on the day of its destruction or loss- as in al-Tuhfa (vol 6, 421) and other books. This is regardless of whether the book’s value on the day of lending was higher or lower than its value on the day of its loss.
- Amjad.
(Translated by Sidi Abu Muhammad Rahil)
[Faraz: note that the ruling is different in the Hanafi school: no compensation is required unless the damage or destruction of a trust (amana) was due to negligence. When there is disagreement, it would be best to seek to resolve it in the spirit of Islamic fraternity. If this dos not work, then the two parties should seek binding arbitration.]
MMVIII © Qibla.
All rights reserved
No part of this article may be reproduced, displayed, modified, or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder. For permission, please submit a request at our Helpdesk.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, "Knowledge is only through study." While some knowledge can be gained from reading or casually listening to lectures, the best means to gain knowledge is through finding a qualified teacher and then setting up a systematic program of learning. Picking up a book or reading an article and trying to figure things out on our own is no substitute for learning from someone who has a direct link to our living tradition.
Through joining an online class at Qibla, you can benefit from convenient, online courses that will give you access to reliable scholars and our popular curriculum learning tracks. Knowledge gained in these courses will both build your iman and assist you in putting into practice what you learn. Don't give yourself less than you deserve, register today.
