Does the Diwan personnel bear responsibility for the blood money (Diyah)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)
Primary text
Personnel of the Diwan (State treasury/register) have no obligation regarding the blood money (Aqilah). This is the position held by Al-Shafi'i. The evidence is the ruling of the Prophet, peace be upon him, who assigned the Diyah to the 'Aqilah. Furthermore, since bearing this responsibility does not grant the right to inheritance, it should not entail the obligation of 'Aql, similar to the case of neighborhood ties or agreements. The ruling of the Prophet, peace be upon him, takes precedence over the ruling of 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him).
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa is of the opinion that the Diwan personnel bear the entire Diyah. If they are destitute, then the relatives assume responsibility. This opinion is based on the report that 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) mandated the Diyah to be paid from the Diwan allotments over three years. Even if this report regarding 'Umar is authentic, it is possible that the personnel in question were considered the relatives ('Ashirah) of the killer.