NAJRAN — Three Bedouin tribes in Jazan managed to collect SR20 million in blood money within two days to spare a prisoner from the gallows, Makkah daily reported on Sunday.
Mohammad Al-Qahs Al-Hateelah from Jazan was convicted of murder 22 years ago at the age of 14 and was imprisoned since them.
The tribes of Yam, Hamdan and Walad Abdullah collected SR20 million in blood money within two days to secure his release from prison.
“My nephew was convicted of murder at the age of 14. He was then put in prison and was going to face the death sentence. After 22 years, the heirs of his victim agreed to accept SR20 million in blood money and spare him from execution,” said Al-Hateelah's uncle.
He thanked Allah and said the solidarity of the tribes in Jazan helped collect the huge amount of blood money to get his nephew back to his family.
“People were willing to give even more if needed. They came together without hesitation and paid whatever they had until they managed to collect the amount required,” said the uncle.
A businessman from Jazan, Awadh Qaree'ah, said the incident reflected how the Bedouins and civilians of Jazan come united to save a fellow member of the tribes.
“Tribal loyalty is at its peak in Jazan. It is a most generous and limitless loyalty, which will never hold back when a member of the tribes is in need,” said Qaree'ah.
Sheikh Marzouq Al-Munjim said the generous act may seem surprising and intriguing to modern society but within the Bedouin culture it is quite normal.
“Civilizations may have advanced but tribal ethics and solidarity transcend modern technology and high-rise buildings. There is a lot of pressure on Bedouins to give up their 'regressive' way of life and join the urban junkyard. However, Bedouins support themselves without interference from law,” said Al-Munjim.
