“Whoever kills deliberately, he will be handed over to the heirs of the victim. If they want, they may kill him, or if they want, they may accept the blood money, which is thirty Hiqqah, thirty Jadha'ah and forty Khalifah. This is the blood money for deliberate slaying. Whatever is settled by reconciliation belongs to them, and that is a binding covenant.”
Narrated by It was narrated from 'Amr bin Shu'aib, from this father, from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
Context
In this hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) discusses the consequences of intentional murder, stating that the perpetrator will be handed over to the victim's heirs. They have the option to seek retribution or accept blood money, which is specified in terms of livestock. This ruling underscores the gravity of taking a life and the importance of justice and reconciliation within the community.
Modern Application
In contemporary society, the principles of justice and accountability highlighted in this hadith can be applied to discussions about crime and punishment. It encourages communities to seek restorative justice, focusing on healing rather than solely on retribution.
Topics
This hadith is tagged with Blood Money and Punishments (Hudud) because it addresses the consequences of murder and the options available to the victim's family regarding compensation.
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.
But whoever kills a believer intentionally - his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide eternally, and Allah has become angry with him and has cursed him and has prepared for him a great punishment.
O you who have believed, prescribed for you is legal retribution for those murdered - the free for the free, the slave for the slave, and the female for the female. But whoever overlooks from his brother anything, then there should be a suitable follow-up and payment to him with good conduct. This is an alleviation from your Lord and a mercy. But whoever transgresses after that will have a painful punishment.
And We ordained for them therein a life for a life, an eye for an eye, a nose for a nose, an ear for an ear, a tooth for a tooth, and for wounds is legal retribution. But whoever gives [up his right as] charity, it is an expiation for him. And whoever does not judge by what Allah has revealed - then it is those who are the wrongdoers.
And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden, except by right. And whoever is killed unjustly - We have given his heir authority, but let him not exceed limits in [the matter of] taking life. Indeed, he has been supported [by the law].
This hadith is #2362 from Sunan Ibn Majah, in the Book of The Chapters on Blood Money. It is graded Da'if and narrated by It was narrated from 'Amr bin Shu'aib, from this father, from his grandfather that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:.