Is financially helping one who is sought for retribution equal to the reward of freeing a slave, and does it suffice for the expiation that necessitates freeing a slave?

Contributing to avert retribution towards forgiveness in exchange for money is a righteous deed, a legitimate expense, and a relief of distress for a Muslim. However, it does not fall under the category of freeing slaves in the conventional sense. Freeing slaves typically involves freeing those who have contracted for their freedom (mukatabeen) or purchasing and freeing slaves. Some scholars have also permitted the freeing of Muslim captives.

Forgiveness may not always be desirable. If the perpetrator is known for injustice and corruption, then retribution against him is better than forgiveness, because it would not constitute reform; rather, it could lead to further corruption.

Contributing to pay the blood money for a slain person does not substitute for the expiation of freeing a slave.