An Analysis of the Islamic Jurisprudential Basis for Article 645 of the Islamic Penal Code Regarding “Monetary Compensation (dīya) for Nail Injury”

In Iran, Islamic Law (Sharīʿa) is the basis of legislations. For this reason, most of the laws in the Islamic Republic of Iran are formulated according to prevalent jurisprudential opinions. The Islamic Penal Code set in 1392 A.S./2013 A.D. is not an exception and major parts have been drafted and approved based on the prevalent opinions of jurists. However, the popularity of one opinion does not necessarily justify its correctness or validity. It is possible that one view, despite its rarity, be considered as correct, valid, and acceptable due to its reliance on credible sources. For instance, Article 645 of the Islamic Penal Code follows the prevalent view of the jurisconsults and sets the monetary compensation for the loss of a nail at five Dīnārs if the nail grows back, and at ten Dīnārs if it does not, or is grown with deformity. Through an analysis of written jurisprudential sources, four opinions regarding the hypothetical question were identified. After study and analyzing the viewpoints and their documents, it is concluded that the reason for the prevalent viewpoint and two of the rare viewpoints are faced with insurmountable shortcomings. On the other hand, one of the rare opinions is based on strong jurisprudential reason and sufficiently responds to the challenges posed against it. This opinion is correct and defensible and can serve as the basis for legislative action in the Islamic Penal Code.