A Saudi citizen surprised those in charge of carrying out his son’s murder execution by granting a last-minute pardon moments before the punishment was to be carried out.
Al Humaidi Al Harbi, the father, made a surprise appearance at the location of the execution in Hafr Al Batin governorate, where the offender was scheduled to be killed.
Despite having previously refused multiple requests for forgiveness backed by hefty financial offers, Al Harbi had a change of heart at the last minute.
With final authority to grant or refuse death, he chose full forgiveness for the perpetrator, much to the surprise of observers.
Al Harbi explained his spontaneous act of compassion, citing divine inspiration, and revealed that after refusing prior reconciliation attempts, he was inspired to provide forgiveness at the last moment.
The surprise pardon sparked a show of appreciation and respect from other residents, who praised Al Harbi’s gesture of reconciliation as a monument to the timeless virtues of empathy and kindness.
