Father Forgives Son's Killer Minutes Before His Beheading

A Saudi father pardoned his son’s killer and spared him of his death sentences just minutes before his execution.

Awad Suleiman Al-Amrani from Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia forgave the convict who killed his son during an argument in 2017.

After pardoning the convict, Al-Amrani said that neither the killer nor his family should celebrate the reprieve.

The father also stipulated that the killer’s family should not attempt to raise money from donors or attend any events organized as a result of the forgiveness.

Al Amrani did not demand any blood money in compensation for his son’s death.

Waleed Khaled Darraj, a lawyer in Jeddah, told Arab News that the freed convict and his family must strictly adhere to the conditions set by the victim’s father.

"If written and approved by the court, all that the father has requested should be followed, otherwise the waiver becomes invalid and the victim’s family has the right to demand beheading," Darraj told the news outlet.

"When such a crime happens, beheading the killer, demanding blood money is the right of the victim’s family. However, some noble people just forgive without requesting a penny. These people seek what Allah has promised the forgivers."

"Islam also teaches its followers to show tolerance," Darraj said. "It also instructs them to avoid anger, which in many cases leads to unwanted consequences," he added.

Since the news hit the internet, Al-Amrani has been receiving praises from netizens for giving the man a second chance at life and repentance.

"The father has gained a promise from the Almighty to reward him for his noble act," Bandar Al-Atwi, a Saudi citizen wrote on his Twitter page. Quoting verse 32 of Surah Al-Maidah, he added: "If anyone saved a life, it would be as if he saved the life of the whole people."

“The recompense for an injury is an injury equal thereto (in degree): But if a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah: For (Allah) loveth not those who do wrong," another Twitter user wrote quoting the Qur’anic verse 40 of surah Al-Shura.