Q: Why does Islam prohibit that a person avenges the murder of his relative? Kindly advise on this matter, may Allah reward you!
A: Allah has set the law of retaliation in Islam. When a person kills another unjustly, the heirs of the victim have the right to retaliate according to the set conditions in Shari`ah (Islamic law). Retribution must also be administered and executed through the proper authorities in the Islamic legal system. The heirs may accept bloodmoney if they are Mukallaf (person meeting the conditions to be held legally accountable for their actions), or they may waive retaliation and bloodmoney altogether. Allah (Exalted be He) says: And there is (a saving of) life for you in AlQisâs (the Law of Equality in punishment), O men of understanding, that you may become AlMuttaqûn (the pious See V.2: 2). The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: If anyone kills another intentionally, the kin of the victim can either kill him in retribution or accept bloodmoney. Allah the Almighty also said: The recompense for an evil is an evil like thereof; but whoever forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is with Allâh. Verily, He likes not the Zâlimûn (oppressors, polytheists, and wrongdoers).
But Islam does not consent taking the law in one's hand and ignoring the legal methods of achieving justice. For, this will lead to corruption, trials and shedding the blood of others without due right. Retaliation is only sought through legal means with its set conditions according to the penal codes of the Shari`ah.