How is the value of Ghurra determined when the components of the full Diyya have different values?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Blood-Money (Diyyāt)

Book 48 · Issue 5 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If the total value, calculated as half of one-tenth of the Diyya across all components (such as five camels, fifty Dinars, or six hundred Dirhams), is agreed upon, there is no dispute. If the value of camels differs, the Ghurra is valued based on the other components (like gold or silver). According to the apparent view of Al-Kharqi, the value defaults to the worth in camels because they are the original standard. However, another view among our companions holds that it is valued in gold or silver, setting the value at fifty Dinars or six hundred Dirhams.

Supporting text

If there is a disagreement between the values of gold and silver, the valuation is done according to what the party liable for payment possesses: by gold if they are of gold, or by silver if they are of silver. If the liable party possesses both, they have the choice to pay using either gold or silver, as the choice rests with the injurer concerning the payment of any component. An alternative view suggests that in all cases, the lesser of the two values (gold or silver) should be taken as the standard.