Dar Khuni

Dar Khuni (Dari: در خونی) is a term used in Afghanistan, specifically in Dari Persian, to describe blood money or compensation paid to the victim's family or relatives for causing death or grievous bodily harm. The practice is rooted in customary law and tribal traditions. The amount of dar khuni is typically negotiated and agreed upon by the involved parties and may vary depending on factors such as the severity of the crime, the social status of the victim and perpetrator, and the customs of the particular region. While not formally recognized by the Afghan legal system as a replacement for criminal prosecution, dar khuni continues to be practiced in many areas, often alongside or in lieu of formal legal proceedings, particularly in rural and tribal communities. It can serve as a means of conflict resolution and restoring honor, though its application and fairness are often subject to debate. The concept is related to but distinct from the Islamic concept of diyat, though the two are often intertwined in practice.