{"product_id":"collective-liability-in-islam-the-aqila-and-blood-money-payments-9781108724289","title":"Collective Liability in Islam: The 'Aqila and Blood Money Payments","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003eNurit Tsafrir's book explores the ʿAqila, a group responsible for blood money payments for accidental homicide, from its pre-Islamic custom to its institution under Islamic law and society. It reveals how religious values, state considerations, and social organization have shaped and reshaped this central institution, which continues to concern contemporary Muslim scholars. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 189 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 24 March 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Cambridge University Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOffering a comprehensive analysis of the ʿAqila, a group responsible for making blood money payments on behalf of a member who caused an accidental homicide, Nurit Tsafrir delves into its transformation from a pre-Islamic custom to an institution of Shari'a law and its subsequent evolution through medieval and post-medieval Islamic law and society. The ʿAqila has played a crucial role in maintaining social order within Muslim communities, serving as a bridge between legal theory, practice, Islamic law, and religion, as well as Islamic law and the state. Tracing the history of the ʿAqila, this study unveils the intricate interplay between religious values, state considerations, and social organization that have shaped and reshaped this central institution, which continues to be of significant interest to contemporary Muslim scholars.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe ʿAqila, a group collectively liable for blood money payments on behalf of a member who committed an accidental homicide, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a pre-Islamic custom to an institution of Shari'a law. This transformation is a testament to the dynamic nature of Islamic law and society, which have been shaped by a complex interplay of religious values, state considerations, and social organization.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn the early days of Islam, the ʿAqila was a pre-Islamic custom that emerged in response to the need for compensation and justice in cases of accidental homicide. It was a form of collective responsibility, where the members of a community would come together to make payments to the victim's family to alleviate their financial burden. However, as Islam spread and became a dominant force in the region, the ʿAqila began to evolve into an institution of Shari'a law.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUnder Shari'a law, the ʿAqila is a legal obligation that falls upon the group collectively. It is based on the principle of collective responsibility, where the members of the group are held accountable for the actions of one of their members. The ʿAqila is designed to provide financial compensation to the victim's family and to restore their honor and dignity.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOver the centuries, the ʿAqila has undergone significant evolution through medieval and post-medieval Islamic law and society. It has been influenced by various factors, including the development of legal theory, the expansion of Islamic empires, and the social and economic changes that have occurred in Muslim communities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the key developments in the history of the ʿAqila was the establishment of the concept of waqf, or charitable endowment. Under waqf, assets are donated to a trust, which is managed by a group of trustees. The income generated from these assets is used to support various charitable causes, including the payment of blood money to victims of accidental homicide.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother important development was the expansion of the ʿAqila's role beyond accidental homicide. In some cases, the ʿAqila was used to provide financial support to individuals who were unable to pay their debts or to support the poor and needy. This expanded role reflects the growing emphasis on social welfare and the redistribution of wealth within Muslim communities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn modern times, the ʿAqila continues to be an important institution in Muslim societies. It is still used to provide financial compensation to victims of accidental homicide and to support other charitable causes. However, it has also faced challenges, including the increasing secularization of society and the rise of individualism. Some scholars argue that the ʿAqila should be reformed to better align with modern legal and social norms, while others argue that it should be preserved as a cultural and religious heritage.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, the ʿAqila is a fascinating institution that has played a crucial role in the maintenance of social order within Muslim communities. Its transformation from a pre-Islamic custom to an institution of Shari'a law and its subsequent evolution through medieval and post-medieval Islamic law and society reflect the dynamic nature of Islamic law and society. While it has faced challenges in modern times, it continues to be an important institution that reflects the values and traditions of Muslim communities.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 288g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 151 x 228 x 15 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781108724289\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEdition number\u003c\/strong\u003e: New ed\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NuritTsafrir","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44094992449786,"sku":"9781108724289","price":30.46,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/1649412975514_book.jpg?v=1649436648","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/collective-liability-in-islam-the-aqila-and-blood-money-payments-9781108724289","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}