The Diya (blood-money) for the eyelid splitting in the Islamic Penal Code: An exploration into the structure and fundamental distortion of Article 591 of the Islamic Penal Code

Abstract

Eyelid crime is classified as "cutting" and "splitting" under the Islamic Penal Code. Despite the significant differences between the two types, the legislature has allowed equal Diya for each under Articles 590 and 591. Although some studies have been conducted to critique the provisions of Article 590 and researchers have focused their efforts on the issue of eyelid cutting, it appears that investigating the issue of eyelid splitting and the amount of its Diya reflected in Article 591 is essential according to some reflections. In this research, both the structure and basis of Article 591 will be analyzed while referring to valid jurisprudential sources, using a descriptive-analytical approach. The present work demonstrates that the article is confusing, owning to its legislative structure and validity. Both the interpretations of "splitting" and "Diya" are ambiguous. Also, the major foundation of the interpretation of the article is a significant narration that cannot be cited due to different reasons. In addition, the fatwas of the grand marjas affirm that the Diya for eyelid splitting is one of the cases referred to Arsh, rather than being fundamentally constant.

Keywords

• diya
• arsh
• eyelid
• splitting
• article 591 of penal code