RIYADH – The intercession of King Abdullah, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, has saved Abdullah A-Qahatani who received a death sentence seven years ago after killing a man following an argument in Rafha Governorate, Northern Borders Region. Al-Qahtani, who memorized a large portion of the Qur'an while in prison, was said to be in a state of disbelief when he was informed that the victim's family had forgiven him. His eyes filled with tears and he prostrated on the ground thanking Allah. Al-Qahtani said he had been waiting for the day he would be beheaded. “Each day passed as if it was a year. I benefited a lot from religious programs in the prison and thanked Allah for King Abdullah's intercession,” he said. “Prince Turki Bin Abdullah visited the victim's family and delivered King Abdullah's message to them in the hope that they would forgive the killer of their son,” Al-Qahtani narrated. “This intercession has given me a chance to live again.” Al-Qahtani thanked the victim's father for forgiving him and said he prays that Allah bestows His mercy upon the soul of the victim. Al-Qahtani promised to be a good member of society and said he fears Allah in all his actions. Lt. Col. Eid Al-Khamali, director of Rafha Correction Facility, wished Al-Qahtani happiness and thanked King Abdullah for his unending care and attention given to prisoners. Meanwhile, Saudi national Al-Habah Salim Al-Najrani announced before King Abdullah his pardon for Malfi Mubarak Salim Al-Douh, who killed his daughter Huda Bint Al-Habah Al-Najrani. The King expressed his condolences to the family and relatives of the deceased woman. He also expressed his thanks and appreciation to her father for pardoning the killer. The Monarch said he prayed to Allah Almighty to accept his deeds, bestow His mercy on his daughter and make paradise her abode.
