Saudi Arabia: Son’s pardon gives dad’s jailed killer new lease of life

Cairo: A young Saudi man has pardoned his father’s killer, who spent 18 years in prison waiting for the son of his victim to come of age to decide his fate.

Yazid Al Shammari, a young man from H’ail in north-western Saudi Arabia, said his decision to forgive his father’s killer is a gesture seeking Allah’s contentment and reward.

“We seek reward from Allah, and the reward is for me, my mother, my grandfather, my grandmother, and our late father,” Yazid told Saudi television Al Arabiya. “Forgiveness is a great thing, and its reward is immense. I feel proud of it,” he added.

Yazid’s grandfather, Khashan Al Shammari, explained that Yazid was only one year and three months old when his father was killed, and he has since taken care of his grandchild.

After Yazid, being a lawful heir, reached the legal age of decision-making, local authorities contacted the family to look into the issue.

“We asked them for some time to consult with the heirs. After discussion and consultation, they decided to waive the right to retribution. We all went to court, and the waiver was officially finalised, added Al Shammari, who acted as the heirs’ advisor in the step.

The circumstances of the murder were not given.

Forgiveness and pardon is a major recommended virtue in Islam. In Islam’s Holy Quran, Allah urges Muslims to show forgiveness and graciousness towards others, including non-Muslims.

In the same vein, the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) underlined forgiveness, pointing out that the act elevates the forgiver’s status and reward.
In recent months, Saudi media reported about people forgiving convicted murderers of their family members.

Last November, a Saudi family said they had pardoned the killer of one of their members after they were touched by a photo of the man’s little daughters.

The forgiveness was declared by the sons and wife of Mohammed Al Atway unconditionally, saying they just seek God’s reward.