Cairo: In a unique humanitarian gesture, a Saudi man had pardoned his son’s killer prior to his execution in Tabuk, northern Saudi Arabia.
The killer was due to be executed on Monday after a final court ruling was issued against him for the murder he committed during a brawl that happened about four years ago.
But the victim’s father, identified as Awwad Sulaiman, announced the pardon before the convict was to be put to death in retribution at an execution site. The age of neither the victim or the murder was given.
Sulaiman explained his motive for the laudable pardon in media remarks.
“I gave up the right to execution [of the killer] for the sake of Almighty Allah, hoping I’m setting a good example,” the father told Saudi online newspaper Sabq.
He added that in the renunciation statement, he stipulated that no blood money or financial rewards should be offered or parties hosted for him in connection with his step.
Forgiveness and pardon is a major recommended virtue in Islam. In the Holy Quran, Allah urges Muslims to show forgiveness and graciousness towards others, including non-Muslims. In the same vein, the Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) underlined forgiveness, pointing out that the act elevates the forgiver’s status and reward.
The Prophet is quoted in one Hadith as saying: “Charity does not decrease wealth, no one forgives another except that Allah increases his honour, and no one humbles himself for the sake of Allah except that Allah raises his status.”
