What is the prescribed compensation for the total loss of paired body parts?
Chapter on Diyat (Blood Money) for Wounds
Al-Mughni
Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)
Primary text
For body parts existing in pairs, such as the two hands, two feet, two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, two lips, two testicles, two breasts, and two buttocks, a full Diyyah is prescribed because their total loss results in the annihilation of the benefit of that species. The loss of one part from a pair mandates half of the Diyyah, as it constitutes the loss of half the benefit of the species. This principle is the established view of Imam Shafi'i, with no known dissent.
Supporting text
This ruling is supported by the authenticated written decree from the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) to Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Amr ibn Hazm's father, which stipulated full Diyyah for the nose (if completely cut), the tongue, the lips, the two testicles, the male organ, the back, and the two eyes, and half Diyyah for one foot. This tradition is widely known and largely agreed upon by jurists.