What is the compensation for the eyelids (Ajfan) of the eye?
Chapter on Diyat (Blood Money) for Wounds
Al-Mughni
Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)
Primary text
The full Diyah is due for all four eyelids collectively, as they contribute to the complete function of the eye. In each individual eyelid, a quarter of the Diyah is due. This position is held by Al-Hasan, Al-Sha'bi, Qatada, Abu Hashim, Al-Thawri, Al-Shafi'i, and the proponents of opinion (Ashab al-Ra'y). The justification is that every body part for which full Diyah is mandated, one component part mandates a share of that Diyah, comparable to hands and fingers.
Supporting text
Malik holds that the compensation for an eyelid or the eye socket (Hajaj) requires Ijtihad (independent legal reasoning), as the exact measure was not transmitted from the Prophet (peace be upon him), and precise measurement cannot be established through analogy. The counter-argument asserts that the eyelids possess visible beauty and complete utility, protecting and shielding the eye from heat and cold, acting as a closure mechanism the owner can open or shut at will, and their absence causes disfigurement, thus necessitating Diyah like the hands. Regarding specific shares, Al-Sha'bi narrated that the upper eyelid requires two-thirds of the eye's Diyah, and the lower requires one-third, due to superior function. This is refuted by the principle of proportional shares based on the Diyah for the pair, analogous to hands and fingers.