What is the compensation (*hukūmah*) for an extra appendage such as a supernumerary hand, foot, finger, or tooth?

Chapter on Diyat (Blood Money) for Wounds

Al-Mughni

Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)

Book 48 · Issue 1 · Bab 2

Open in Qurani

Primary text

For an extra appendage, such as a supernumerary hand, foot, finger, or tooth, the ruling is that only discretionary compensation (*hukūmah*) is due. This ruling is preferred because there is no fixed measure (*taqdīr*) established for such deformities, nor do they fall under the category of pre-measured injuries. Furthermore, they cannot be validly compared to a limb whose function is lost but whose form remains, because these extra parts possess no beauty; rather, they constitute a blemish (*shayb*) in creation and a defect that voids a sale and diminishes value.

Supporting text

It is possible that no compensation is due for such an appendage, based on the aforementioned reasoning concerning the lack of fixed measure.