Author: Dr. Muhammad Zia-ur-Rahman Al-Azmi رحمه الله
In the case of intentional murder (qatl ʿamd), there is no expiation (kaffārah), because the gravity of such a crime is far beyond what can be atoned for through an expiation.
It is not like other sins for which one may offer compensation and become absolved. Regarding this, Allah ﷻ says:
﴿وَمَن يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا﴾
[An-Nisā’: 93]
"And whoever kills a believer intentionally—his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide forever. And Allah is angry with him, has cursed him, and prepared for him a great punishment."
[Ibn ʿUthaymīn: Nūr ʿala al-Darb: 24]
❖ Deliberate Killing of an Innocent Person
In the case of intentional murder (qatl ʿamd), there is no expiation (kaffārah), because the gravity of such a crime is far beyond what can be atoned for through an expiation.
It is not like other sins for which one may offer compensation and become absolved. Regarding this, Allah ﷻ says:
﴿وَمَن يَقْتُلْ مُؤْمِنًا مُّتَعَمِّدًا فَجَزَاؤُهُ جَهَنَّمُ خَالِدًا فِيهَا وَغَضِبَ اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَلَعَنَهُ وَأَعَدَّ لَهُ عَذَابًا عَظِيمًا﴾
[An-Nisā’: 93]
"And whoever kills a believer intentionally—his recompense is Hell, wherein he will abide forever. And Allah is angry with him, has cursed him, and prepared for him a great punishment."
⚠ Severity of the Crime
- Deliberate murder is among the gravest of major sins.
- It results in:
① Eternal punishment in Hell,
② Allah’s wrath,
③ Divine curse,
④ And a great torment prepared for the murderer.
[Ibn ʿUthaymīn: Nūr ʿala al-Darb: 24]
