A monetary fine on an offender

Question

What is the ruling on imposing a monetary fine on an offender, and how should he be treated?

Answer

A monetary fine is impermissible in the Shari‘a. If the offender owes rights of Allah’s servants (huquq al-‘ibad — the rights of people), let him discharge them or obtain forgiveness for them, and let him repent before Allah sincerely from the heart — it is hoped that his fault will be forgiven.

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

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