Is retribution (*qisas*) applicable for injuries to a woman's labia (*shafrayi*)?

Chapter on Retaliation (Qawad)

Al-Mughni

Book of Wounds

Book 47 · Issue 1 · Bab 2

Open in Qurani

Primary text

There are two opinions regarding retribution for injuries to a woman's labia. The first opinion states that no *qisas* is applicable because they are flesh without a discernible joint/endpoint (*mafsal*), similar to the flesh of the thighs, for which *qisas* is not obligatory. This is the view held by Al-Qadi. The second view holds that *qisas* is applicable because their endpoint is known, making them analogous to the lips and the eyelids of the eye. This is the view held by Abu Al-Khattab.

Supporting text

The scholars of the Shafi'i school also hold two views on this matter, mirroring the two established opinions.