What is the required compensation for the lips?
Chapter on Diyat (Blood Money) for Wounds
Al-Mughni
Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)
Primary text
The compensation for the lips is the full *diyah*. This is established by the decree of the Prophet, peace be upon him, sent to 'Amr ibn Hazm, which states, 'And for the lips is the *diyah*.' The lips are considered unique organs in the body, possessing conspicuous beauty and complete function, as they cover the mouth, protect it from harm, conceal the teeth, retain saliva, facilitate speech through involvement in articulation, and are essential for certain letter formations, thus requiring the full *diyah* similar to hands and feet.
Supporting text
The prevalent view according to the main school of thought is that each lip warrants half of the full *diyah*. This opinion is reported from Abu Bakr and 'Ali, may Allah be pleased with them, and is held by the majority of jurists. Another opinion, reported from Ahmad, may Allah have mercy upon him, suggests that the upper lip requires one-third of the *diyah* and the lower lip requires two-thirds, based on a narration from Zayd ibn Thabit and supported by Sa'id ibn al-Musayyab and al-Zuhri, due to the greater function and movement associated with the lower lip.