What is the legal definition of *Khalafah* (pregnant she-camel) for *Diyya* payment?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)

Book 48 · Issue 5 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

A *Khalafah* is a pregnant she-camel. The Prophet's statement, "carrying their young in their wombs," serves as emphasis. Generally, a camel that has entered its fifth year and is carrying is considered a *Khalafah* and suffices for the *Diyya*. The preferable view is that any pregnant she-camel suffices because the Prophet used the unqualified term *Khalafah*.

Supporting text

There is an opinion that a *Khalafah* must be one whose age corresponds to a specific minimum age range (between the age of a one-year-old and *bazil*), because other categories of camels are defined by age. However, using any pregnant camel is the primary ruling.