MAKKAH: The Saudi Reconciliation Committee in Makkah Emirate has saved the lives of 173 people sentenced to death since its inception in 2008, said Dr. Nasser Bin Mesfir Al-Zahrani, the Committee's Executive Chairman, according to a report carried by the Arabic daily Asharq Al-Awsat. He said one of the principles of the committee is to prevent haggling by the families of the murdered over the financial compensation or “Diya”. Pardoning or forgiving a murderer is permissible in the Shariah, for the sake of Allah, or through the payment of Diya. The guardian of the murdered person determines the amount to be paid. The families of the killers either pay themselves or seek the help of individuals or a group of philanthropists. Al-Zahrani said some families demand astronomical amounts and would continue bargaining, while others would simply pardon the killer for the sake of Allah's reward in the Hereafter. Al-Zahrani said the committee is determined to stick to the principles of reconciliation derived from the Islamic Shariah. He said the unique stance of the committee has encouraged several neighboring countries to copy its practices. Al-Zahrani said the committee is also involved in reconciling husbands and wives, especially those seeking divorce. He said the committee has succeeded in saving the marriages of many couples, especially those who have children. The committee is aware of the negative consequences of divorce on children, he added. In the area of family violence, the committee has handled about 424 cases and provided temporary refuge to 36 families. Most of the family disputes have been resolved amicably, he said. Al-Zahrani said the committee has helped to resolve more than 17,470 forms of conflict. It wants love and respect to prevail in society, he added.
