←Prev   Ayah an-Nisa` (Women) 4:92   Next→ 

Popular and/or Featured Works
Muhammad Asad   
AND IT IS not conceivable that a believer should slay another believer, unless it be by mistake. And upon him who has slain a believer by mistake there is the duty of freeing a believing soul from bondage and paying an indemnity to the victim's relations, unless they forgo it by way of charity. Now if the slain, while himself a believer, belonged to a people who are at war with you, [the penance shall be confined to] the freeing of a believing soul from bondage; whereas, if he belonged to a people to whom you are bound by a covenant, [it shall consist of] an indemnity to be paid to his relations in addition to the freeing of a believing soul from bondage. And he who does not have the wherewithal shall fast [instead] for two consecutive months. (This is) the atonement ordained by God: and God is indeed all-knowing, wise
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
It is not lawful for a believer to kill another except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer unintentionally must free a believing slave and pay blood-money to the victim’s family—unless they waive it charitably. But if the victim is a believer from a hostile people, then a believing slave must be freed. And if the victim is from a people bound with you in a treaty, then blood-money must be paid to the family along with freeing a believing slave. Those who are unable, let them fast two consecutive months—as a means of repentance to Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Safi Kaskas   
A believer should never kill another believer, but mistakes happen. If someone kills a believer by mistake, he must free one believing slave and pay compensation to the victim's relatives, unless they willingly forgo compensation. If the victim is a believer, but belonged to a community with which you are at war, then the compensation is only to free a believing slave; whereas, if the person killed belonged to a community with whom you have a treaty, then the compensation should be paid to his relatives in addition to freeing a believing slave. Anyone who does not have the means to do this must fast for two consecutive months. God ordains this atonement. God is All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Listen: 
Did you notice?

 You can SEARCH IslamAwakened: 

Source Arabic and Literal tools
Arabic   
وَمَا كَانَ لِمُؤۡمِنٍ أَن یَقۡتُلَ مُؤۡمِنًا إِلَّا خَطَءࣰاۚ وَمَن قَتَلَ مُؤۡمِنًا خَطَءࣰا فَتَحۡرِیرُ رَقَبَةࣲ مُّؤۡمِنَةࣲ وَدِیَةࣱ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰۤ أَهۡلِهِۦۤ إِلَّاۤ أَن یَصَّدَّقُوا۟ۚ فَإِن كَانَ مِن قَوۡمٍ عَدُوࣲّ لَّكُمۡ وَهُوَ مُؤۡمِنࣱ فَتَحۡرِیرُ رَقَبَةࣲ مُّؤۡمِنَةࣲۖ وَإِن كَانَ مِن قَوۡمِۭ بَیۡنَكُمۡ وَبَیۡنَهُم مِّیثَـٰقࣱ فَدِیَةࣱ مُّسَلَّمَةٌ إِلَىٰۤ أَهۡلِهِۦ وَتَحۡرِیرُ رَقَبَةࣲ مُّؤۡمِنَةࣲۖ فَمَن لَّمۡ یَجِدۡ فَصِیَامُ شَهۡرَیۡنِ مُتَتَابِعَیۡنِ تَوۡبَةࣰ مِّنَ ٱللَّهِۗ وَكَانَ ٱللَّهُ عَلِیمًا حَكِیمࣰا ۝٩٢
Transliteration (2021)   
wamā kāna limu'minin an yaqtula mu'minan illā khaṭa-an waman qatala mu'minan khaṭa-an fataḥrīru raqabatin mu'minatin wadiyatun musallamatun ilā ahlihi illā an yaṣṣaddaqū fa-in kāna min qawmin ʿaduwwin lakum wahuwa mu'minun fataḥrīru raqabatin mu'minatin wa-in kāna min qawmin baynakum wabaynahum mīthāqun fadiyatun musallamatun ilā ahlihi wataḥrīru raqabatin mu'minatin faman lam yajid faṣiyāmu shahrayni mutatābiʿayni tawbatan mina l-lahi wakāna l-lahu ʿalīman ḥakīma
Word for Word
Dr. Shehnaz Shaikh, Ms. Kauser Katri, and more
  
And not is for a believer that he kills a believer except (by) mistake. And whoever killed a believer (by) mistake, then freeing (of) a slave believing and blood money (is to be) paid to his family unless that they remit (as) charity. But if (he) was from a people hostile to you and he was a believer then freeing (of) a slave believing. And if (he) was from a people between you and between them, (is) a treaty, then blood money (is to be) paid to his family, and freeing (of) a slave believing. And whoever (does) not find, then fasting (for) two months consecutively, (seeking) repentance from Allah, and is Allah All-Knowing, All-Wise.

Generally Accepted Translations of the Meaning
Muhammad Asad   
AND IT IS not conceivable that a believer should slay another believer, unless it be by mistake. And upon him who has slain a believer by mistake there is the duty of freeing a believing soul from bondage and paying an indemnity to the victim's relations, unless they forgo it by way of charity. Now if the slain, while himself a believer, belonged to a people who are at war with you, [the penance shall be confined to] the freeing of a believing soul from bondage; whereas, if he belonged to a people to whom you are bound by a covenant, [it shall consist of] an indemnity to be paid to his relations in addition to the freeing of a believing soul from bondage. And he who does not have the wherewithal shall fast [instead] for two consecutive months. (This is) the atonement ordained by God: and God is indeed all-knowing, wise
M. M. Pickthall   
It is not for a believer to kill a believer unless (it be) by mistake. He who hath killed a believer by mistake must set free a believing slave, and pay the blood-money to the family of the slain, unless they remit it as a charity. If he (the victim) be of a people hostile unto you, and he is a believer, then (the penance is) to set free a believing slave. And if he cometh of a folk between whom and you there is a covenant, then the blood-money must be paid unto his folk and (also) a believing slave must be set free. And whoso hath not the wherewithal must fast two consecutive months. A penance from Allah. Allah is Knower, Wise
Yusuf Ali (Saudi Rev. 1985)   
Never should a believer kill a believer; but (If it so happens) by mistake, (Compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they remit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (Is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to Allah: for Allah hath all knowledge and all wisdom
The Clear Quran, Dr. Mustafa Khattab   
It is not lawful for a believer to kill another except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer unintentionally must free a believing slave and pay blood-money to the victim’s family—unless they waive it charitably. But if the victim is a believer from a hostile people, then a believing slave must be freed. And if the victim is from a people bound with you in a treaty, then blood-money must be paid to the family along with freeing a believing slave. Those who are unable, let them fast two consecutive months—as a means of repentance to Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Safi Kaskas   
A believer should never kill another believer, but mistakes happen. If someone kills a believer by mistake, he must free one believing slave and pay compensation to the victim's relatives, unless they willingly forgo compensation. If the victim is a believer, but belonged to a community with which you are at war, then the compensation is only to free a believing slave; whereas, if the person killed belonged to a community with whom you have a treaty, then the compensation should be paid to his relatives in addition to freeing a believing slave. Anyone who does not have the means to do this must fast for two consecutive months. God ordains this atonement. God is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Wahiduddin Khan   
No believer should kill another believer, unless it be by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer by mistake should free a believing slave and pay blood money to the victims relatives unless they forego it as an act of charity. If the victim belongs to a people at war with you, but is a believer, then the compensation is to free a believing slave. If he belongs to a people with whom you have a treaty, then blood-money should be handed over to his relatives and a believing slave set free. Anyone who lacks the means must fast for two consecutive months. Such is the penance imposed by God. God is all knowing and wise
Shakir   
And it does not behoove a believer to kill a believer except by mistake, and whoever kills a believer by mistake, he should free a believing slave, and blood-money should be paid to his people unless they remit it as alms; but if he be from a tribe hostile to you and he is a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (suffices), and if he is from a tribe between whom and you there is a convenant, the blood-money should be paid to his people along with the freeing of a believing slave; but he who cannot find (a slave) should fast for two months successively: a penance from Allah, and Allah is Knowing, Wise
Dr. Laleh Bakhtiar   
And it had not been for the one who believes to kill one who believes unless by error. And whoever killed one who believes by error the letting go of a believing bondsperson and blood money should be handed over to his family unless that family be charitable. And if he had been from the enemy folk of yours and he be one who believes, then, there should be the letting go of a believing bondsperson. And if he had been of a folk who between you and between them is a solemn promise, then, blood money should be handed over to the family and the letting go of a believing bondsperson. Then, whoever finds not the means, then, formally fast for two successive months as a penance from God. And God had been Knowing, Wise.
T.B.Irving   
No believer should kill any other believer unless it happens by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer by mistake should free believing captive and deliver blood-money to his family unless they forego it as an act of charity. If he was from a nation which is at war with you and yet he was a believer, then free a believing captive; while if he were from a people with whom you have a treaty, then it means blood-money should be delivered to his family and freeing a believing captive. Anyone who does not find the wherewithal for it should fast for two consecutive months as penance from God. God is Aware, Wise!
Abdul Hye   
It is not (appropriate) for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. Whoever kills a believer by mistake, then it is commanded to free a believing captive and blood-money (compensation) be paid to his (deceased’s) family, except that they remit it as a charity. If he is from enemy people to you and is a believer; then freedom of a believing captive (is sufficient). If he is from people between you and between them is a covenant, then blood-money is paid to the family, and freedom of a believing captive. But whoever does not find it (means to free a captive and or blood-money), then fast for 2 consecutive months seeking repentance from Allah. Allah is All-Knower, All-Wise
The Study Quran   
It is not for a believer to slay a believer, unless it be in error. Whosoever has slain a believer in error, let him set free a believing slave and pay compensation to the victim’s family, unless they remit it in charity. If he belonged to a people at war with you, but was a believer, then a believing slave is to be set free. And if he belonged to a people with whom you have a covenant, let him pay compensation to the victim’s family, and let him set free a believing slave. Whosoever finds not [the means], let him fast two consecutive months as a penance from God. God is Knowing, Wise
Talal Itani & AI (2024)   
It’s not for a believer to kill a believer, except by mistake. Whoever kills a believer accidentally, the compensation is to free a believing captive and pay compensation to his family, unless they remit it as a charity. If he belonged to a people hostile to you, yet was a believer, the atonement is to free a believing captive. If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty, compensation must be paid to his family, and a believing captive must be freed. If one lacks the means, fasting for two consecutive months—is a penance from God. God is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Talal Itani (2012)   
Never should a believer kill another believer, unless by error. Anyone who kills a believer by error must set free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the victim's family, unless they remit it as charity. If the victim belonged to a people who are hostile to you, but is a believer, then the compensation is to free a believing slave. If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty, then compensation should be handed over to his family, and a believing slave set free. Anyone who lacks the means must fast for two consecutive months, by way of repentance to God. God is All-Knowing, Most Wise
Dr. Kamal Omar   
And it is not for a Believer that he kills a Believer except by mistake. And whoso killed a Believer by mistake, then providing freedom to one (human) neck (who is) a Believer, and Diyah (Murder-money) put at the disposal of his (i.e., the deceased’s) family (are ordained by Allah in compensation and ransom) except that they (i.e., the members of the deceased’s family) remit it. But if he (i.e., the deceased) is from a nation (which is) an enemy to you, and he (i.e., the deceased is) a Believer, then providing freedom to one (human) neck (who is under bond of slavery but is) a Believer (shall suffice — since sending the murder-money to the enemy territory may not be possible in every case). And if he (i.e., the deceased) is from a nation — between you and between them is a treaty, then Diyah put at the disposal of his (i.e., the deceased’s) family (is ordained), and the providing of freedom to one neck (who is) a Believer (is also applicable); so one who does not find (these things possible to act upon) then (the form of ransom or replacement is) fasts for two months, both coming one after another (seehead of state) repentance from Allah. And Allah is All-Aware, All-Wis
M. Farook Malik   
It is not befitting for a believer to kill a believer except by accident, and whoever accidently kills a believer, he is commanded to free a believing slave and pay bloodwit to the family of the victim, unless they forgo it as a charity. If the victim is from a hostile nation, then the freeing of a believing slave is enough, but if he belonged to a nation with whom you have a treaty, then bloodwit must be paid to his family along with the freeing of a believing slave. Those who do not have the means (bloodwit and / or a slave) must fast two consecutive months: a method of repentance provided by Allah. Allah is the Knowledgeable, Wise
Muhammad Mahmoud Ghali   
And in no way is it for a believer to kill a believer, except it be by mistake; and he who killed a believer by mistake, then (let him set) free a believing neck, (Literally: a believing neck "i.e., slave" "is" to be set free) and blood-money is to be handed (unimpaired) to his family, unless they donate (it). Then, in case he is of a people (who are) an enemy to you and he is a believer, then a believing neck (i.e., slave) is to be freed. And in case he is of a people between whom and you there is a compact, then blood-money is to be handed (unimpaired) to his family and a believing neck is to be freed. Yet whoever does not find (the means), then fasting two months following each other is a relenting from Allah, and Allah has been Ever-Knowing, Ever-Wise
Muhammad Sarwar   
A believer cannot slay another believer except by mistake for which the retaliation is to set free a believing slave and pay the appointed blood money to the relatives of the deceased unless the relatives wave aside the payment. If the person slain is from your enemies but himself is a believer, the penalty is to set free a believing slave. If the person slain is one of those with whom you have a peace treaty, the penalty is the same as that for a slain believer. If this is not possible, the defendant has to fast for two consecutive months, asking God to accept his repentance. He is All-knowing and All-wise
Muhammad Taqi Usmani   
It is not for a believer (Muslim) to kill any believer, except by mistake. Whoever kills a believer by mistake, then, a believing slave has to be freed, and the blood money must be paid to his family, unless they forgo it. If he (the victim) belongs to a people hostile to you and is a believer, then, a believing slave has to be freed. If he (the victim) belongs to a people between whom and you there is treaty, then, blood money is to be paid to his family, and a believing slave to be freed. Whoever does not find one has to fast for two consecutive months. This is repentance prescribed from Allah‘s side. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise
Shabbir Ahmed   
It is not conceivable that a believer will slay another believer unless it be a mistake. If one kills a believer by mistake, there is the duty of freeing a believing person from bondage; may it be slavery, extreme poverty, crushing debt or oppression. And pay compensation to the victim's family unless they forgo it by way of charity. If case the victim was a believer, and belonged to a tribe who are at war with you, free a believing person from bondage. If the victim was a believer, and belonged to a tribe with whom you have a peace treaty, you should pay the compensation to his family in addition to freeing a believing person from bondage. For those who find this settlement beyond their means, two consecutive months of Abstinence, as in the month of Ramadan, are ordained by way of repentance from Allah. And Allah is the Knower, the Wise
Dr. Munir Munshey   
It is not (conceivable) for a believer to kill another believer _ unless it was (unintended, accidental or) by mistake. Whoever kills a believer by (accident or) mistake must set free a believing slave (as a penance), and must pay blood money as compensation to the family of the deceased _ unless the family waives (the blood money) out of charity. If the deceased belonged to a nation at war with you and was also a believer, then the penance shall be the freeing of a believing slave, (but no blood money). If the believing deceased belonged to a nation with whom you have a pact of alliance, then the penance involves payment of blood money to the family (of the believing deceased), in addition to the freeing of the believing slave. The one who does not find (the financial means) must observe fasts daily for two consecutive months to seek forgiveness from Allah. Of course, Allah is all-Knowing and the Wisest
Syed Vickar Ahamed   
And a believer should never kill a believer; But (if it so happens) by mistake, (compensation is due): If one kills a believer (by mistake) it is necessary that he (the killer) should free a believing slave, and pay compensation (known as blood-money known as Diya) to the dead persons family, unless they remit it freely. If the dead person belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom you had a treaty of mutual understanding, then the compensation (or Diya) should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, he must fast of two months running (without breaks): By way of repentance to Allah: And Allah is All Knowing (Aleem), All Wise (Hakeem)
Umm Muhammad (Sahih International)   
And never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake - then the freeing of a believing slave and a compensation payment presented to the deceased's family [is required] unless they give [up their right as] charity. But if the deceased was from a people at war with you and he was a believer - then [only] the freeing of a believing slave; and if he was from a people with whom you have a treaty - then a compensation payment presented to his family and the freeing of a believing slave. And whoever does not find [one or cannot afford to buy one] - then [instead], a fast for two months consecutively, [seeking] acceptance of repentance from Allah . And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise
[The Monotheist Group] (2011 Edition)   
And it is not for a believer to kill another believer except by accident. And whoever kills a believer by accident, then he shall set free a believing slave, and give compensation to the family; except if they remit it. If he was from a people who are enemies to you, and he was a believer, then you shall set free a believing slave. And if he was from a people between whom you had a covenant, then a compensation to his family, and set free a believing slave. Whoever does not find, then the fasting of two months sequentially as a repentance from God; God is Knowledgeable, Wise
Abdel Haleem   
Never should a believer kill another believer, except by mistake. If anyone kills a believer by mistake he must free one Muslim slave and pay compensation to the victim’s relatives, unless they charitably forgo it; if the victim belonged to a people at war with you but is a believer, then the compensation is only to free a believing slave; if he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty, then compensation should be handed over to his relatives, and a believing slave set free. Anyone who lacks the means to do this must fast for two consecutive months by way of repentance to God: God is all knowing, all wise
Abdul Majid Daryabadi   
It is not for a believer to slay a believer except by a mischance; and whosoever slayeth a believer by mischance on him is the setting free of a believing bondman and blood-wit to be delivered to his family except that they forego. Then if he be of a people hostile unto you and is himself a believer, then the setting free of a believing bondman; and if he be of a people between man whom and you is a bond, then the bloodwit to be delivered to his family and the setting free of a believing bondman. Then whosoever findeth not the wherewithal, on him is the fasting for two months in succession: a penance from Allah. And Allah is ever Knowing, Wise
Ahmed Ali   
It is not for a believer to take a believer's life except by mistake; and he who kills a believer by mistake should free a slave who is a believer, and pay blood-money to the victim's family unless they forego it as an act of charity. If he belonged to a community hostile to you but was himself a believer, then a slave who is a believer should be freed. In case he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty, then give blood-money to his family and free a believing slave. But he who has no means (to do so) should fast for a period of two months continuously to have his sins forgiven by God, and God is all-knowing and all-wise
Aisha Bewley   
A mumin should never kill another mumin unless it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a mumin by mistake should free a mumin slave and pay blood-money to his family unless they forgo it as a sadaqa. If he is from a people who are your enemies and is a mumin, you should free a mumin slave. If he is from a people you have a treaty with, blood money should be paid to his family and you should free a mumin slave. Anyone who cannot find the means should fast two consecutive months. This is a concession from Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Ali Ünal   
Yet (be circumspect), it is not for a believer to kill another believer unless it be by mistake. He who has killed a believer by mistake must set free a believing slave, and pay blood-money to his family (legal heirs), unless they forgo it as a freewill offering. If he (the victim), while himself a believer, belonged to a people hostile to you (between whom and you there is no treaty), then (the expiation is to) set free a believing slave. If he (the victim) belonged to a (non-Muslim) people between whom and you there is a treaty, then (the expiation is to) pay blood-money to his heirs, and to set free a believing slave. But he who has no means (to make such expiation), must fast for two consecutive months – a penance from God (a way of repentance). God is All-Knowing (of everything including what is in your bosoms), All-Wise
Ali Quli Qara'i   
A believer may not kill another believer, unless it is by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer by mistake should set free a believing slave, and pay blood-money to his family, unless they remit it in charity. If he belongs to a people that are hostile to you but is a believer, then a believing slave is to be set free. And if he belongs to a people with whom you have a treaty, the blood-money is to be paid to his family and a believing slave is to be set free. He who cannot afford [to pay the blood-money], must fast two successive months as a penance from Allah, and Allah is all-knowing, all-wise
Hamid S. Aziz   
It is not for a believer to kill a believer save by mistake; and whoever kills a believer by mistake then let him free a believing slave and compensation must be paid to his people, unless they remit it as charity. But if he be from a tribe hostile to yo
Ali Bakhtiari Nejad   
It is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And anyone who kills a believer by mistake should set a believing slave free and pay full compensation to his family unless they forgive it. And if he was from a group who were your enemy and he was a believer, then setting a believing slave free. And if he was from a group that there is an agreement between you and them, then paying full compensation to his family and setting a believing slave free. And anyone who cannot find (a slave or afford one) then fasting for two consecutive months as a repentance (established) by God. God is knowledgeable and wise.
A.L. Bilal Muhammad et al (2018)   
Never should a believer kill a believer. But if it happens by mistake, compensation is due. If one kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the family of the deceased, unless they refuse it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave is enough. If he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave should be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, fast for two months straight, by way of repentance to God, for God has all knowledge, and all wisdom
Musharraf Hussain   
It is forbidden for a believer to kill another believer, except by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer by mistake must free a believing slave and pay compensation to the victim’s family, unless they waive it as an act of charity. If the victim belonged to an enemy tribe but was himself a believer, then free a believing slave and if he was from a tribe with which you have a treaty, then pay compensation to their family and free a believing slave. Whoever cannot find the means to pay compensation let him fast two consecutive months to gain Allah’s forgiveness. Allah is the Knower, Wise
Maududi   
It is not for a believer to slay another believer unless by mistake. And he who has slain a believer by mistake, his atonement is to set free from bondage a believing person and to pay blood-money to his heirs, unless they forgo it by way of charity. And if the slain belonged to a hostile people, but was a believer, then the atonement is to set free from bondage a believing person. And if the slain belonged to a (non-Muslim) people with whom you have a covenant, then the atonement is to pay the blood-money to his heirs, and to set free from bondage a believing person. But he who cannot (free a slave) should fast for two consecutive months. This is the penance ordained by Allah. Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise
[The Monotheist Group] (2013 Edition)   
And it is not for a believer to kill another believer except by accident. And whoever kills a believer by accident, then he shall free a believing slave, and give compensation to the family; except if they remit it. If he was from a people who are enemies to you, and he was a believer, then you shall free a believing slave. And if he was from a people with whom you have a covenant, then a compensation to his family, and free a believing slave. Whoever does not find, then the fasting of two months sequentially as a repentance from God; for God is Knowledgeable, Wise.
Mohammad Shafi   
And it does not behove a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake, he should free a believing slave, and blood-money should be paid to the deceased's family unless they remit it as charity. If he was from a people hostile to you and was a believer, then the freeing of a believing slave, and if he was from a people, between whom and you there is a convenant, the blood-money should be paid to the deceased's family along with the freeing of a believing slave, and he who cannot find one should fast for two consecutive months in order to seek repentance from Allah. And Allah is Knowledgeable, Wise

Controversial or status undetermined works
Ahmed Raza Khan (Barelvi)   
And it is not befitting Muslims to shed the blood of Muslim save by a mischance and he who kills any Muslim unknowingly, then he has to free a Muslim slave and blood compensation to be paid to the family of the deceased but that they forego. Then if he is from a people who is your enemy and he is himself a Muslim then there is only the freeing of a Muslim slave, and if he is from a people between whom and you there is a pact, then the blood compensation be delivered to his family and the freeing of a slave Muslims, but whose hand does not reach to this (Finds no means to free a slave Muslim) then he should fast for two consecutive months this is his repentance near Allah. And Allah is knowing. Wise.
Rashad Khalifa   
No believer shall kill another believer, unless it is an accident. If one kills a believer by accident, he shall atone by freeing a believing slave, and paying a compensation to the victim's family, unless they forfeit such a compensation as a charity. If the victim belonged to people who are at war with you, though he was a believer, you shall atone by freeing a believing slave. If he belonged to people with whom you have signed a peace treaty, you shall pay the compensation in addition to freeing a believing slave. If you cannot find a slave to free, you shall atone by fasting two consecutive months, in order to be redeemed by GOD. GOD is Knower, Most Wise.
Hasan Al-Fatih Qaribullah   
It is not for a believer to kill another believer, except that it is by error. Whosoever kills a believer in error, let him free a believing slave, and ransom is to be handed to his family, unless they forgo being charitable. If he belonged to a people who are your enemies and is a believer then, the setting free of a believing slave. If he belonged to a people in which there is between you and them a treaty, then a ransom is to be handed to his family and the setting free of a believing slave. But, if he does not find (the means) let him fast two consecutive months in repentance to Allah. And Allah is the Knower, the Wise
Maulana Muhammad Ali   
And a believer would not kill a believer except by mistake. And he who kills a believer by mistake should free a believing slave, and blood-money should be paid to his people unless they remit it as alms. But if he be from a tribe hostile to you and he is a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (suffices). And if he be from a tribe between whom and you there is a covenant, the blood-money should be paid to his people along with the freeing of a believing slave; but he who has not the means should fast for two months successively: a penance from Allah. And Allah is ever Knowing, Wise
Muhammad Ahmed & Samira   
And (it) was/is not to a believer that he kills a believer except mistakenly, and who killed a believer mistakenly, so freeing/liberating a believing neck (slave), and compensation handed over/delivered to his (the victim's) family, except that they give charity (forgive), so if he was from a nation, an enemy for you, and he (the victim was) a believer, so freeing/liberating a believing neck (slave), and if he was/is from a nation between you and between them (is) a covenant (treaty), so a compensation handed over/delivered to his (the victim's) family and freeing/liberating a believing neck (slave), so who does not find, so fasting two months following each other (E), a repentance from at God, and God was/is knowledgeable, wise/judicious
Bijan Moeinian   
No believer should kill another believer intentionally. In case of unintentional man slaughter (such as car accident), the killer must set free a believing slave and pay blood money to the heirs unless the latter do not demand it to please God. If the believing victim lived among the enemies (and was killed say in a military campaign by mistake), the expiation will be freeing a believing slave. If the believing victim lived among the non-believers with whom you have a peace treaty, the expiation will be freeing a Muslim slave and the payment of the blood money to his heirs. If one (for monetary reasons) can not free a slave, then he has to fast two consecutive months and ask for forgiveness from God, the Most Knowledgeable, the Most Wise
Faridul Haque   
It is not rightful for a Muslim to kill another Muslim, unless it occurs by mistake; and the one who mistakenly kills a Muslim must set free a Muslim slave and pay blood-money to the family of the slain, except if they forego it; and if the victim is of a people who are hostile to you, and the killer is a Muslim, then only the setting free of a Muslim slave (is obligatory); and if the victim is from a people between whom and you there is a treaty, then blood-money must be paid to his family and the setting free of a Muslim slave; therefore one who has no means must fast for two consecutive months; this is his penance before Allah; and Allah is All Knowing, Wise
Sher Ali   
It does not behove a believer to slay a believer unless it be by mistake. And he who slays a believer by mistake shall free a believing slave, and pay blood-money to be handed over to his heirs, unless they remit it as charity. But if the person slain be of a people hostile to you, and he is a believer, then the penalty is only the freeing of a believing slave, and if he be of a people between whom and you is a pact, then the penalty is blood-money to be handed over to his heirs, and the freeing of a believing slave. But whoso finds not one, then he shall fast for two consecutive months - a mercy from ALLAH. And ALLAH is All-Knowing, Wise
Dr. Mohammad Tahir-ul-Qadri   
And it is not (lawful) for a Muslim to kill a Muslim but by mistake. And anyone who kills a Muslim unintentionally shall (be liable to) free a Muslim slave and (pay) blood money, to be (necessarily) handed over to the heirs of the person slain, unless they remit it. In case, he (the slain) comes from the people who are your enemies and is a believer (as well), then (only) freeing a (male or female) slave is prescribed. But if he (the slain) belongs to a people that between you and them there is a (peace) treaty, then blood compensation must be delivered to his family, and freeing a Muslim (male or female) slave is also mandatory. Then he who does not find (a slave) is (bound) to fast for two consecutive months. (This is his) repentance (prescribed) by Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, Most Wise
Amatul Rahman Omar   
It is not befitting for a believer to kill another believer except (what happens) by mistake; and he who kills a believer by mistake let him set a believing captive of war free and pay blood-money to be handed over to the heirs of the deceased, unless they (- the heirs) forgo it as a free-will offering. But if he (- the slain) is a believer belonging to people hostile to you, then there is still only the (penance of) freeing a believing captive of war; and if he (- the slain) belongs to a people with whom you have a pact, then there is the payment of blood-money, to be handed over to his heirs and (also) the freeing of a believing captive of war; but he who does not find (the means to set free a captive of war,) shall fast two consecutive months, a method of penance (devised) by Allah. And Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise
Muhsin Khan & Muhammad al-Hilali   
It is not for a believer to kill a believer except (that it be) by mistake, and whosoever kills a believer by mistake, (it is ordained that) he must set free a believing slave and a compensation (blood money, i.e Diya) be given to the deceaseds family, unless they remit it. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you and he was a believer; the freeing of a believing slave (is prescribed), and if he belonged to a people with whom you have a treaty of mutual alliance, compensation (blood money - Diya) must be paid to his family, and a believing slave must be freed. And whoso finds this (the penance of freeing a slave) beyond his means, he must fast for two consecutive months in order to seek repentance from Allah. And Allah is Ever AllKnowing, AllWise

Non-Muslim and/or Orientalist works
Arthur John Arberry   
It belongs not to a believer to slay a believer, except it be by error. If any slays a believer by error, then let him set free a believing slave, and bloodwit is to be paid to his family unless they forgo it as a freewill offering. If he belong to a people at enmity with you and is a believer, let the slayer set free a believing slave. If he belong to a people joined with you by a compact, then bloodwit is to be paid to his family and the slayer shall set free a believing slave. But if he finds not the means, let him fast two successive months -- God's turning; God is All-knowing, All-wise
George Sale   
It is not lawful for a believer to kill a believer, unless it happen by mistake; and whoso killeth a believer by mistake, the penalty shall be the freeing of a believer from slavery, and a fine to be paid to the family of the deceased, unless they remit it as alms: And if the slain person be of a people at enmity with you, and be a true believer, the penalty shall be the freeing of a believer; but if he be of a people in confederacy with you, a fine to be paid to his family, and the freeing of a believer. And he who findeth not wherewith to do this, shall fast two months consecutively, as a penance enjoined from God; and God is knowing and wise
Edward Henry Palmer   
It is not for a believer to kill a believer save by mistake; and whosoever kills a believer by mistake then let him free a believing neck; and the blood-money must be paid to his people save what they shall remit as alms. But if he be from a tribe hostile to you and yet a believer, then let him free a believing neck. And if it be a tribe betwixt whom and you there is an alliance, then let the blood-money be paid to his friends, and let him free a believing neck; but he who cannot find the means, then let him fast for two consecutive months - a penance this from God, for God is knowing, wise
John Medows Rodwell   
A believer killeth not a believer but by mischance: and whoso killeth a believer by mischance shall be bound to free a believer from slavery; and the blood-money shall be paid to the family of the slain, unless they convert it into alms. But if the slain believer be of a hostile people, then let him confer freedom on a slave who is a believer; and if he be of a people between whom and yourselves there is an alliance, then let the blood-money be paid to his family, and let him set free a slave who is a believer: and let him who hath not the means, fast two consecutive months. This is the penance enjoined by God; and God is Knowing, Wise
N J Dawood (2014)   
It is unlawful for a believer to kill another believer, accidents excepted. He that accidentally kills a believer shall free one Muslim slave and pay blood-money to the family of the victim, unless they choose to give it away in alms. If the victim be a Muslim from a hostile tribe, the penalty shall be the freeing of one Muslim slave. But if the victim be a member of an allied tribe, then blood-money shall be paid to his family and a Muslim slave set free. He that lacks the means shall fast two consecutive months. Such is the penance imposed by God: God is all-knowing and wise

New, Partial, or In Progress Translations
Fode Drame   
It is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake and whoever kills a believer by mistake then he must free a believing slave and pay the blood-money to his family unless they forego it as charity. But if [the killed] was from a people who are an enemy unto you and he is a believer then a believing slave must be freed and if he is from a people between you and them there is a pact, then the blood-money must be paid to the family and a believing slave must be freed. But whoever cannot find the means, then he must fast two consecutive months by way of repentance from Allah. And Allah indeed is All-knowing, All-wise.
Munir Mezyed   
It is not possible that a monotheistic believer to kill another except by mistake. And whoever kills a monotheistic believer by accident must free a monotheistic slave and pay restitution (blood-money) to the family of the victim unless they remit it as alms. However, if the victim, he himself is a believer, and belongs to a people who are at war with you, then the murderer must free a monotheistic slave. If the victim belongs to people with whom you have a peace treaty, then the murderer must pay the restitution (blood-money) to the family of the victim and free a monotheistic slave. If then the murderer is unable to find a slave to free, then he will atone by fasting two consecutive months in order to seek repentance from Allâh. Allâh is Ever All-Knowing- All-Wise.
Sahib Mustaqim Bleher   
And it is not permitted for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And who kills a believer by mistake, then the freeing of a believing prisoner and direct compensation to his family are due unless they cancel it as charity; and if he is from a people who are an enemy to you and he is a believer, then the freeing of a believing prisoner, and if he is from a people with whom you have a treaty, then direct compensation to his family and the freeing of a believing prisoner, and who does not find the means, then fasting of two consecutive months as repentance offered from Allah, and Allah is knowledgeable and wise.
Linda “iLHam” Barto   
A believer must never kill a believer. An allowance is made for an accidental killing. If one kills a believer by accident, he/she must free a believing slave and pay compensation to (the victim’s) family, unless (the family) charitably foregoes (the compensation). If the believing victim belonged to a people at war with you, [the perpetrator should only] free a believing slave. If (the victim) belonged to a people with whom you are bound by a treaty, [the perpetrator should] pay compensation to the family in addition to freeing a believing slave. One who cannot do either should fast for two consecutive months, seeking redemption from Allah. Allah is the All-knowing, Perfectly Wise.
Fadel Soliman, Bridges‘ Translation   
But never should a believer kill another believer, unless accidentally. Yet anyone who accidentally kills a believer, then the (atonement is the) emancipation of a believing slave and a compensation submitted to his family, unless they donate (it). But if he was from a people who are an enemy to youpl, yet he is a believer, then the emancipation of a believing slave. And if he was from a people between you and whom there is a pledge, then a compensation submitted to his family and the emancipation of a believing slave. And (for) anyone who lacks the means—then the fasting of two consecutive months as a repentance to Allah. And Allah has always been All-Knowing, All-Wise.
Irving & Mohamed Hegab   
No believer should kill any other believer unless it happens by mistake. Anyone who kills a believer by mistake should free believing captive and deliver blood-money to his family unless they forego it as an act of charity. If he was from a nation which is at war with you and yet he was a believer, then free a believing captive; while if he were from a people with whom you have a treaty, then it means blood-money should be delivered to his family and freeing a believing captive. Anyone who does not find the wherewithal for it should fast for two consecutive months as penance from Allah (God). Allah (God) is Aware, Wise!
Samy Mahdy   
And never is it for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer by mistake, so he must set free a believing slave's neck, and a wergild (Man Price) delivered to his family, unless they give it as alms. So, if he was from a kinfolk who is an enemy for you, and he was a believer, So free a slave believer's neck. And if he was from a kinfolk between you and them a charter, so a wergild (Man Price) delivered to his family and freed a believing slave neck. So, whoever does not find, he must fast for two consecutive months, repentance from Allah. And Allah is ever Knowledgeable, Wise.
Sayyid Qutb   
Never should a believer kill another believer, unless it be by mistake. He who kills a believer by mistake must free a believing soul from bondage and pay an indemnity to his family, unless they forego it by way of charity. If the victim belonged to a people who are at war with you, while he himself was a believer, then let his killer free a believing soul from bondage. If he (the victim) belonged to a people with whom you are bound by a covenant, then the penalty is an indemnity to be paid to his family and the freeing of a believing soul from bondage. He who cannot afford the wherewithal must fast for two consecutive months. This is the atonement ordained by God. God is All-Knowing, Wise.
Ahmed Hulusi   
It is not for a believer to kill another believer, except by mistake... And whoever kills a believer by mistake should free a believing slave and pay compensation to the family of the deceased, unless they give up (their rights to the killer)... If (the deceased) was a believer but from a people that is enemy to you, then (the killer) must free a believing slave... But if (the deceased) was from a people with whom you have a treaty, then (the killer) must pay compensation to the deceased’s family and free a believing slave... And whoever is unable to find compensation must fast for two months consecutively, as repentance to Allah... Allah is the Aleem, the Hakim.
Sayyed Abbas Sadr-Ameli   
And it is not for a believer to kill a believer except by mistake, and whoever kills a believer by mistake must set free a blieving slave, and pay the blood-money to the family of the slain unless they remit it as a freewill offering. But if he (the slain) is from a tribe hostile unto you, and he is a believer, then (the penance is) to set free a believing slave. And if he is from a tribe between whom and you there is a covenant. Then the blood-money must be paid to his family and (also) a believing slave must be set free. But he who finds not (the means) should fast two month, consecutively. (This is) a penance from Allah, and Allah is All-knowing, All-Wise
Al-muntakhab fi tafsir al-Qur‘an al-Karim   
Observe particularly: It is not right for a believer who has conformed to Islam to kill another believer of the same law unless it be by mistake. And he who kills a Muslim by chance and guilt does not reside in the intention shall run into some consequences in expiation of his wrong, thus
Mir Aneesuddin   
And it does not befit a believer to kill (another) believer except by mistake. And whoever kills a believer (even) by mistake, he should set free a believing slave and pay the blood money to the people (of the slain), except that (the people of the slain do not take the money and) leave it as charity. And if the slain was from a people who are at enemity with you but he was a believer then he (the murderer) should set free a believing slave; the slain was from a people between whom and you is a treaty, then the blood-money should be paid to his (slain's) people and (in addition, the murderer) should set free a believing slave, and one who cannot find (the means) should in that case, fast for two successive months. A penance from Allah and Allah is Knowing, Wise. people (of the slain), except that (the people of the slain do not take the money and) leave it as charity. And if the slain was from a people who are at enemity with you but he was a believer then he (the murderer) should set free a believing slave; the slain was from a people between whom and you is a treaty, then the blood-money should be paid to his (slain's) people and (in addition, the murderer) should set free a believing slave, and one who cannot find (the means) should in that case, fast for two successive months. A penance from Allah and Allah is Knowing, Wise.

Obsolete and/or older editions
Yusuf Ali (Orig. 1938)   
Never should a believer kill a believer; but (If it so happens) by mistake, (Compensation is due): If one (so) kills a believer, it is ordained that he should free a believing slave, and pay compensation to the deceased's family, unless they re mit it freely. If the deceased belonged to a people at war with you, and he was a believer, the freeing of a believing slave (Is enough). If he belonged to a people with whom ye have treaty of Mutual alliance, compensation should be paid to his family, and a believing slave be freed. For those who find this beyond their means, (is prescribed) a fast for two months running: by way of repentance to God: for God hath all knowledge and all wisdom
OLD Literal Word for Word   
And not is for a believer that he kills a believer except (by) mistake. And whoever killed a believer (by) mistake, then freeing (of) a believing slave and blood money (is to be) paid to his family unless that they remit (as) charity. But if (he) was from a people hostile to you and he was a believer then freeing (of) a believing slave. And if (he) was from a people between you and between them, (is) a treaty, then blood money (is to be) paid to his family, and freeing (of) a believing slave. And whoever (does) not find, then fasting (for) two months consecutively, (seeking) repentance from Allah, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise
OLD Transliteration   
Wama kana limu/minin an yaqtula mu/minan illa khataan waman qatala mu/minan khataan fatahreeru raqabatin mu/minatin wadiyatun musallamatun ila ahlihi illa an yassaddaqoo fa-in kana min qawmin AAaduwwin lakum wahuwa mu/minun fatahreeru raqabatin mu/minatin wa-in kana min qawmin baynakum wabaynahum meethaqun fadiyatun musallamatun ila ahlihi watahreeru raqabatin mu/minatin faman lam yajid fasiyamu shahrayni mutatabiAAayni tawbatan mina Allahi wakana Allahu AAaleeman hakeeman