Whoever possesses lawful testimony is obliged to present it free of charge, taking no remuneration whatsoever, for testifying is an act of worship that Allah has commanded when He said: “and establish the testimony for Allah” (At-Talāq 2) and, “be steadfast in equity, witnesses for Allah” (An-Nisāʾ 135).

As for someone who assists you in a dispute or lawsuit—meaning he pleads on your behalf and conducts the litigation as your agent and representative—there is no harm in giving him some money in return for his effort. This applies to the fees taken by lawyers who represent plaintiffs, argue their cases, and make the necessary trips back and forth; they may receive payment for their services because they act as agents for the party that has a claim. Testimony itself, however, may never be paid for under any circumstances.

Likewise, a judge who rules between people is not permitted to accept anything for his judgment; if he does so, it is a bribe, which Allah the Exalted and His Messenger ﷺ have forbidden—and the scholars are unanimously agreed on its prohibition. As we have stated, only the agent or representative in litigation may take compensation for his labor, provided this was stipulated or the litigant wishes to reward him for his effort. Allah knows best.

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Expiation for accidental killing

Question: It was Allah’s decree that I was involved in a car accident in which I struck a pedestrian with my vehicle. He was taken to the hospital because of his injuries, remained there for fifteen days, and then passed away. His family waived the blood-money, and his under-age children received a sum of thirty thousand riyals, since the fault was shared. Therefore