Q. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) provides compulsory cover to all users of South African roads, citizens and foreigners, against injuries sustained or death arising from accidents involving motor vehicles within the borders of South Africa.
Can Muslims accept the cover provided by the RAF in the case of injuries sustained or death arising from accidents in South Africa?
A. It will be permissible for Muslims to accept compensation from the Road Accident Fund (RAF). It will be regarded as a gift from the government to the claimant and will form part of the claimant’s ownership or to those who are entitled to it.
In the case of an accident resulting in death, the compensation received from the RAF will form part of the deceased’s estate and will be distributed amongst his/her rightful heirs according to the Islamic Laws of Succession and Inheritance. (Fataawa Qaasimiyyah 25/233)
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa