Ruling on a Slave's Offense

Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: If a slave commits an offense, it will be upon him, and his master will have the choice—if he wishes, he may pay the compensation, or he may hand over the slave in exchange.

Hazrat Sha'bi said that the crime of the slave will be upon his neck, and his master will have the choice: if he wishes, he may pay the ransom, and if he wishes, he may hand over the slave.

Hasan said that a slave cannot impose more compensation on his master than his own value.

Hazrat Shurayh said that if a slave commits an offense, then it will be upon his neck, or his master will pay on his behalf.

Muhammad said: I asked Ash'ath, "When a slave commits an offense, what should be done?" He replied, "It will be upon him (the slave) himself."

Hazrat Salim bin Abdullah said that if the owners of slaves wish, they may give the compensation for the wound as the ransom for the injury, and if they wish, they may hand over the slave himself.

Hazrat Zuhri said that if he has killed by mistake, then his master, if he wishes, may pay the compensation, and if he wishes, he may hand over the slave himself.

Hazrat Hisham bin Urwah narrates from his father that he used to say: When a slave commits an offense, his master has the choice—if he wishes, he may hand over the slave in compensation for the offense, and if he wishes, he may pay the compensation himself and keep the slave with him.