The ruling on paying zakah to the family of the intentional killer

Question:
The questioner says: The family of the intentional killer is liable for a blood money amount of one million and eight hundred thousand riyals. Is it permissible to pay them from the zakah?

Answer:
Yes, if they are unable to pay the amount. If they are unable to pay the amount, they are helped from the zakah, because this is a debt, and they fall under the category of those in debt. Allah the Exalted said: They are in debt to ransom this person from retaliation, so they are in debt, and they are paid from the zakah. However, generally speaking, the exaggeration in the blood money amounts, going up to five million or seven million, is something that should not be done. The guardian of the blood is given a choice between two things, which is what the Shari'ah brought: a choice between two things, either retaliation or blood money. This is the choice the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him) gave them. As for making this a means for bidding up the price, this is not permissible and is a bad appearance. It has become widespread now.