Blood money, or diya (Arabic: دية), is a form of financial compensation paid to the family or heirs of a victim in cases of murder, bodily harm, or accidental death under Islamic law.
The practice is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition and continues to be applied, with variations, in several countries governed by Sharia law.
Modern Practice and Legal Framework
Countries Practicing Diya
- Saudi Arabia: Diya is determined by Sharia courts and paid in cases of both intentional and accidental death. The amount varies by the religion and gender of the victim, and courts have the final say in settlements.
- Iran: Diya rates are updated annually and increase during the four haram months (Dhu al-Qi’dah, Dhu al-Hijjah, Muharram, Rajab), when violence is traditionally discouraged.
- Kuwait: In 2025, Kuwait doubled its diya amount to 20,000 dinars to reflect economic changes and ensure fair compensation.
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): The standard diya is AED 200,000, but courts can adjust this based on case circumstances. Diya is an alternative to retribution (qisas) and aims to support victims’ families.
- Pakistan and Somalia: Diya is recognized and practiced, often within specific communities or subgroups.
Current Blood Money Rates
| Country | Standard Diya Amount (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | SR 300,000 (accidental death, Muslim man) | SR 400,000 for premeditated murder; non-Muslims and women receive less |
| Iran | Announced annually; increased in haram months | 2013 law equalized diya for Muslims and non-Muslims in homicide; gender equality debated |
| Kuwait | 20,000 dinars | Raised from 10,000 dinars in 2025 to reflect inflation and economic changes |
| UAE | AED 200,000 | Court may increase/decrease based on circumstances |
Example: In 2023, a Saudi court ordered a company to pay diya to the family of a worker who died in a factory accident, as the company was found responsible for safety violations.
Key Considerations and Recent Developments
- Discrimination: In Saudi Arabia, compensation for non-Muslims and women is typically less than for Muslim men. For example, Christian or Jewish men receive 50% of the amount awarded to Muslim men, and all other non-Muslims may receive as little as one-sixteenth.
- Legal reforms: Iran’s 2013 penal code recognized equal diya for Muslims and non-Muslims in homicide cases, but ambiguity remains for bodily harm and for certain religious minorities.
- Economic adjustments: Kuwait’s recent increase in diya reflects a broader trend of updating compensation to match contemporary economic realities.
- Application beyond murder: Diya is not limited to murder cases; it can also apply to accidental deaths, such as those resulting from road or industrial accidents, provided responsibility is established.
Practical examples
- Saudi Arabia: In a 2013 case, a father avoided jail after murdering his daughter by paying diya to her mother, sparking public debate about the system’s fairness.
- UAE: If a victim’s family forgives the offender, the court may impose a minimum prison sentence and order payment of diya instead of capital punishment.
- Kuwait: The 2025 decree fixed diya at 20,000 dinars to ensure fair compensation amid inflation, replacing an amount unchanged for over 40 years.
Additional information on blood money
Historical context
Traditionally, diya was set based on the value of camels, which has been adjusted over time to reflect economic changes.
Legal alternatives
In many jurisdictions, diya serves as an alternative to qisas (retribution), allowing for financial compensation in lieu of the death penalty.
Controversies
Human rights organizations have criticized the discriminatory aspects of diya, especially regarding gender and religious affiliation.