When is blood money due immediately?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)

Book 48 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Blood money not borne by the 'Aqilah is due immediately because it constitutes compensation (*badal*) for a destroyed item, thus it must be paid instantly, similar to the valuation of destroyed property.

Supporting text

The distinguishing factor for that which the 'Aqilah bears is that it is due as consolation, and postponement is mandated to alleviate the burden on the payer. This postponement is a deviation from the original rule regarding immediacy, just as the deviation regarding obligating someone other than the perpetrator is also established.