He was asked—may Allah Most High have mercy on him—about a man riding a horse. A bear-handler passed him with a bear, causing the horse to bolt and throw its rider. It then ran away and knocked a man down, killing him.

He replied:

The owner of the horse bears no liability in these circumstances, but the bear-handler is subject to punishment. And Allah knows best.

He was asked—may Allah Most High have mercy on him—about a man whose property had been stolen and who suspected someone known for being implicated in wrongdoing. The accusation was mentioned in his presence, and he beat the suspect to extract a confession. The suspect confessed, then denied it, so he beat him until he died. What is he liable for, given that he beat him only because of what he had been told concerning the accusation?

He replied:

He must free a believing slave as expiation, and blood money is due for the slain man, unless he reaches a settlement with his heirs for a lesser amount. Had he subjected him, without any right or semblance of justification, to treatment that ordinarily causes death, retaliatory execution would have been obligatory. Had he acted rightfully, nothing would have been due. And Allah knows best.