Question
We had a fire at our business, the cause of which is unknown. It started at a premises we sublet to a friend of ours, and then spread and destroyed the goods in our warehouse and damaged the building. Alhamdulillah, approximately a month later, we restarted our business.
However we are in debt. Our suppliers Alhamdulillah have given us extra time to settle our accounts. One supplier 12 months and the other 2 longer periods to settle our debts.
Is it our Shariah duty to pay for the stock that was destroyed due to fire that was beyond our control?
Answer
You will be responsible for the outstanding payment of the goods which you had purchased from the supplier which was destroyed in your warehouse even though you had not initiated the fire and the damage caused by the fire was beyond your control.
Checked and Approved By:
Mufti Muhammed Saeed Motara Saheb D.B.