Blood Money:
The concept of “blood money,” or diya, has gained attention following the case of Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse sentenced to death in Yemen for murder.
- Blood money, or diya, is a provision under Islamic Sharia law that allows a perpetrator to compensate the victim or their family in cases of unintentional murder, culpable homicide, or even intentional murder if the victim’s family chooses to forgo retribution (qisas).
- The aim is not to place a price on life but to alleviate the family’s loss and suffering.
- Blood money is often negotiated between the perpetrator and the victim’s family, with judicial oversight ensuring fairness.
- Factors like gender, religion, and nationality of the victim influence the compensation in many Islamic countries.
- Even when blood money is accepted, the state may impose separate punitive measures, such as imprisonment or fines, to maintain public order.
