Matin Research Journal

Matin Research Journal

Equality or Difference between Male and Female Diya: An Approach Based on the Principles of Imam Khomeini

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Fatemeh Moghaddasi 1
Seyed Mohammad Sadegh Mousavi 2
Seyed Abolghasem Naghibi 3
1 PhD student Jurisprudence and Fundamentals of Islamic Law, Faculty of Law, Theology and Political Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Associate Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Private Law, Motahari University, Tehran, Iran.
3 3. Associate Professor, Department of Jurisprudence and Private Law, Motahari University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/matin.2025.205598.1539
Abstract
Two primary theories address the difference between male and female diya (blood money). The popular opinion is halving, and the primary evidence of its proponents is the explicit statement of some hadiths. Conversely, another group, emphasizing the Quran's silence on the matter, the contradiction of the hadiths of halving with Quranic principles, and the demands of judicial justice and human dignity, argues for equalizing diya between genders.
After critically examining the arguments of both perspectives and noting that the ruling on differential diya lacks explicit Quranic basis, this study proposes two solutions to reconcile the conflict between traditional jurisprudence and contemporary legal norms:
First, based on Imam Khomeini's theoretical foundations rooted in dynamic jurisprudence, the door to ijtihad is not closed regarding the equality of diya for men and women. It is possible to rule for equality, considering the exigencies of time and place, which aligns with Islamic interests, reason and social justice. Alternatively, a new approach combining two theories can be used: accepting the ruling of half diya while simultaneously providing a solution to compensate for the difference using secondary titles such as expediency, necessity, maintaining the Islamic state (hifz al-nizam), and the rule of prioritizing the more important (aham wa muhim).
 
 
Keywords
Diya
Diya principles
Gender-based diya difference
Ruling of halving
Ruling of equalization

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Matin Research Journal
Volume 27, Issue 106
Spring 2025
Pages 133-158