Chapter on Retaliation (Qisas) and the Amount of Blood Money (Diyyah)

Samaah narrated from Abu Basir from Abu Jafar Imam Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Baqir عليه السلام regarding the saying of Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Almighty and Majestic: "But if any remission is made by the brother of the slain, then grant [him] a suitable follow-up" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:178). I asked: "What is that 'remission'?" Imam عليه السلام said: "It is when a person accepts the blood money (diyyah). Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Almighty and Majestic, commanded the one who has the right (the victim's heir) to pursue it in a good manner and not to make it difficult, and He سبحانه وتعالى commanded the one who owes the blood money not to wrong him and to pay it with kindness when he becomes able to do so." I then asked: "What about Allah's سبحانه وتعالى saying: 'But whoever transgresses after that will have a painful punishment'?" (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:178). Imam عليه السلام said: "This refers to the person who accepts the blood money or agrees to a settlement and then later comes back to mutilate or kill (the killer). Allah سبحانه وتعالى, the Almighty and Majestic, has promised him a painful punishment."