The Book of Oaths (qasamah), Retaliation and Blood Money - Sunan an-Nasa'i 4785

"The Messenger of Allah said: 'If a person's relative is killed, he has the choice of two things: Either he may retaliate, or he may take the ransom."'

Legal Ruling and Wisdom

This hadith establishes the fundamental Islamic legal principle regarding homicide cases. The heirs of the victim are granted authority to choose between qisas (lawful retaliation) or diyah (blood money) as compensation.

The wisdom behind this choice acknowledges both the emotional need for justice and the practical benefits of compensation, allowing families to select the option most suitable to their circumstances while maintaining social harmony.

Conditions and Implementation

Retaliation is only permissible when the killing was intentional and unjust. The execution must be carried out by legitimate Islamic authority, not through vigilante justice.

Blood money (diyah) amounts are specified in Shariah and vary based on the nature of the killing and the status of the victim. Payment is typically made by the killer or their family to the victim's heirs.

Moral and Spiritual Dimensions

Choosing forgiveness and accepting blood money is highly meritorious in Islam. The Quran encourages this path: "But whoever overlooks from his brother anything, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment to him with good conduct" (2:178).

This ruling balances the demands of justice with the Islamic values of mercy and compassion, preventing endless cycles of vengeance while ensuring accountability for wrongful acts.