"The accidental killing, which seems intentional, with a whip or stick, (the Diyah) is one hundred camels, of which forty should be (she-camels) which their young in their wombs."
Narrated by It was narrated from Al-Qasim bin Rabi'ah, from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr, the Prophet said:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ addresses the consequences of accidental killings that resemble intentional acts. He specifies the compensation (Diyah) for such an incident, which is set at one hundred camels, including a requirement for forty of them to be pregnant she-camels. This highlights the seriousness of taking a life, even unintentionally, and the importance of restitution in Islamic law.
Modern Application
In contemporary society, this principle emphasizes the need for accountability and responsibility in our actions. Accidental harm can have significant repercussions, and individuals are encouraged to seek reconciliation and make amends for unintended consequences, fostering a culture of care and responsibility.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Blood Money and Punishments (Hudud) because it outlines the compensation required for an accidental killing, reflecting the Islamic legal framework for addressing such serious matters.
And never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake - then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment presented to the deceased's family [is required] unless they give [up their right as] charity. But if the deceased was from a people at war with you and he was a believer - then [only] the freeing of a believing slave; and if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty - then a compensation payment presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. And whoever does not find [one or cannot afford to buy one] - then [instead], a fast for two months consecutively, [seeking] acceptance of repentance from Allah. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.
O you who have believed, do not kill game while you are in the state of ihram. And whoever of you kills it intentionally - the penalty is an equivalent from sacrificial animals to what he killed, as judged by two just men among you as an offering [to Allah] delivered to the Ka'bah, or an expiation: the feeding of needy people or the equivalent of that in fasting, that he may taste the consequence of his deed. Allah has pardoned what is past; but whoever returns [to violation], then Allah will take retribution from him. And Allah is Exalted in Might and Owner of Retribution.
The [unmarried] woman or [unmarried] man found guilty of sexual intercourse - lash each one of them with a hundred lashes, and do not be taken by pity for them in the religion of Allah, if you should believe in Allah and the Last Day. And let a group of the believers witness their punishment.
And of the camels, two and of the cattle, two. Say, "Is it the two males He has forbidden or the two females or that which the wombs of the two females contain? Or were you witnesses when Allah charged you with this? Then who is more unjust than one who invents a lie about Allah to mislead the people by [something] other than knowledge? Indeed, Allah does not guide the wrongdoing people."
This hadith is #4801 from Sunan an-Nasa'i, in the Book of The Book of Oaths (qasamah), Retaliation and Blood Money. It is graded Sahih and narrated by It was narrated from Al-Qasim bin Rabi'ah, from 'Abdullah bin 'Amr, the Prophet said:.
