Is the valuation established by Umar binding for all times, irrespective of market changes?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)
Primary text
The fixed valuation established by Umar should be followed to prevent dispute and variation in the value of the required camels, similar to how the milk of an unlawfully held animal was estimated using a measure of dates to settle disputes over its value. However, this specific valuation should not override the fundamental ruling, which mandates the camels themselves, lest it lead to results contrary to the wisdom of the Sharia and cause disputes over the value of the camels, which are themselves mandated.
Supporting text
The principle that substitutes must equal the principal item is refuted by the fact that gold and silver are not considered equal to each other, nor are the sheep substitute and dirhams in Zakat. Furthermore, the substitute for a loan or destroyed item is the exact equivalent, with value being a substitute only when the equivalent is unavailable, which differs from the Diyya case.