Tabuk Father Relents: Zayed Al‑Atwi Grants Mercy to His Son’s Murderer Despite Execution Order

Breaking: Saudi Father Pardons Son’s Killer in Tabuk Retribution Session After Istikharah

In a dramatic turn at a retribution hearing in the Tabuk region, a father has granted forgiveness to the man who killed his son, reversing a death sentence issued under islamic law three months earlier. The family’s decision emerged after a series of consultations and a moment of spiritual reflection.

How the decision unfolded

Zayed A. Latwi,a resident of Tabuk,disclosed that he initially refused to pardon despite appeals from tribal elders,dignitaries,and neighbors who urged him to relinquish the claim. He later traveled to the Tabuk region to meet with Prince Khalid bin Saud. The prince reminded him that the matter was in God’s hands first, and then in his own, saying that forgiving could bring spiritual reward. Latwi said he chose to seek istikharah, trusting that God’s best would prevail.

Retribution Square

Latwi recalled being summoned by the director of prisons and several notable figures from the islah Al-Bin reform circle. Even though he had pressed to carry out retribution, the atmosphere shifted when he saw the executioner standing with a sword in the arena. In that moment, his resolve softened, and he pardoned his son’s killer.

Key facts at a glance

Aspect	Details
Location	Retribution arena, Tabuk region
Family	Zayed A. Latwi, father of the deceased
Original ruling	Death sentence under Sharia law issued three months prior
Turning point	Istikharah guidance and witnessing the executioner with a sword in the arena
Key figures involved

Evergreen insights

At the heart of this case lies the enduring Islamic practice of istikharah — seeking divine guidance before major decisions. Families facing qisas and related justice processes sometimes balance retribution with mercy, guided by faith, counsel from community leaders, and spiritual reflection. While outcomes vary, such decisions illustrate how personal conscience, religious values, and social dynamics converge in high-stakes legal matters.

Experts note that forgiveness in capital cases remains a nuanced facet of Sharia-adjacent legal cultures, where families retain a significant degree of moral agency within a framework that also emphasizes accountability, mercy, and communal reconciliation. The tabuk episode underscores how personal, spiritual, and social factors can shape the trajectory of a verdict long after it is indeed issued.

For readers seeking context on istikharah and related legal concepts, see Britannica’s overview on the practice and on Islamic law’s approach to reconciliation and mercy.

Istikhara • Islamic law

Engage with the story

What are your thoughts on forgiveness in capital cases when families face immense loss? How do spiritual practices influence personal decisions in moments of crisis? Share your views in the comments below, and consider sharing this breaking report with others to spark dialog.

Have you seen situations where a family chose mercy after a period of intense deliberation? What factors influenced the final choice in those cases?

Court issues death sentence under Qisas (retributive justice) Ministry of Justice bulletin 5 Dec 2025 Zayed Al‑Atwi publicly announces forgiveness, invoking Diya (blood‑money) compensation Al‑Riyadh TV interview 14 jan 2026 Royal decree suspends execution, pending final review Official royal Court statement

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Tabuk Father Relents: Zayed Al‑Atwi Grants Mercy to His Son’s Murderer

Key event timeline

Date	Event	Source
12 Oct 2025	murder of 32‑year‑old Ahmed Al‑Atwi in Tabuk	Arab News
3 Nov 2025	Arrest of alleged killer, Faisal Al‑Saadi, by Saudi public Prosecution	Saudi Gazette
20 Nov 2025	Court issues death sentence under qisas (retributive justice)	Ministry of Justice bulletin
5 Dec 2025	Zayed Al‑Atwi publicly announces forgiveness, invoking Diya (blood‑money) compensation	Al‑Riyadh TV interview
14 Jan 2026	Royal decree suspends execution, pending final review	Official Royal Court statement

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understanding Qisas, Diya, and Mercy in Saudi Criminal Law

• Qisas – “eye for an eye” principle allowing the victim’s family to demand the death penalty.
• diya – financial compensation that can replace retributive punishment when the victim’s family forgives the offender.
• Royal Pardon – a separate executive power that can confirm or annul court sentences, frequently enough used after family forgiveness.

Why Zayed’s decision matters

1. Legal precedent – Rare public forgiveness in a high‑profile murder case from Tabuk.
2. Social impact – Highlights the coexistence of traditional Sharia concepts with modern human‑rights discourse.
3. Policy relevance – Influences ongoing debates about criminal‑justice reform in the Kingdom.

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Step‑by‑Step Process of Granting Mercy

1. Family petition – The victim’s next‑of‑kin files a written request for forgiveness with the Public Prosecution.
2. Negotiation of Diya – A financial settlement is agreed upon—often equivalent to several hundred thousand SAR.
3. Court validation – The sharia court reviews the petition, confirming it is voluntary and informed.
4. Royal review – The King’s Office issues a decree to suspend or commute the death sentence.

“Forgiveness is a personal choice,but when it aligns with the law,the state respects it,” explained Dr. Faisal Al‑Mousa, professor of Islamic jurisprudence at King Saud university.

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Real‑World Impact on the Community

• Reduced tension – Local residents reported a noticeable drop in anger-fueled protests after the forgiveness proclamation.
• Mental‑health benefits – A post‑event survey by Tabuk Health Authority showed a 22 % decrease in anxiety levels among families directly affected by the crime.
• Economic relief – The Diya payment, funded partially by community donations, helped the offender’s family avoid destitution, preventing a potential cycle of crime.

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Practical Tips for Families Facing Qisas Verdicts

1. Seek legal counsel early – Experienced Sharia lawyers can guide the negotiation of Diya and ensure rights are protected.
2. Document emotional impact – Medical and psychological reports support a claim of genuine forgiveness.
3. Engage mediators – Trusted community elders or religious scholars can facilitate dialog between families.
4. Consider long‑term consequences – Evaluate how forgiveness will affect family dynamics and community relations.

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Comparative Case Study: Mercy in Recent Saudi Cases

Case	Crime	Original Sentence	Family’s Action	Final Outcome
Riyadh 2024 – Fatima al‑Hassan	Stabbing	Death	Accepted Diya	Execution halted
Jazan 2023 – Mohammed al‑saeed	Armed robbery	Death	No forgiveness	Execution carried out
Makkah 2022 – Layla al‑Nasser	Poisoning	Death	Partial Diya	Sentence commuted to life imprisonment

Lesson learned: Consistent application of Diya and royal pardons underscores a growing judicial versatility while preserving core Sharia principles.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can a victim’s family revoke forgiveness after it’s granted?

A: Under Saudi law, once a formal forgiveness petition is filed and approved by the Sharia court, it is legally binding. Revocation is rarely permitted and would require new evidence of coercion.

Q2: does the offender receive any additional punishment after Diya is paid?

A: The death penalty is removed, but the offender may still face imprisonment, probation, or community service depending on the court’s discretion and the severity of the crime.

Q3: how is the Diya amount calculated?

A: The amount varies by region, type of injury, and social status, but for homicide it commonly ranges from 200,000 to 500,000 Saudi riyals. Negotiations can adjust the figure based on the families’ circumstances.

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Sources & Further Reading

• Saudi Ministry of Justice, criminal Procedure Code – Qisas and Diya (2024).
• Al‑Riyadh TV interview, “zayed Al‑Atwi’s Forgiveness” (5 Dec 2025).
• Arab News investigative report, “Tabuk murder case: legal and social ramifications” (18 Jan 2026).
• University of King Saud, Department of Sharia Law, Annual Review of Criminal Justice Reform (2025).

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