The recent amnesty announced by the government has opened the way for the wanted individuals to turn themselves in before it is too late. The announcement stated that those who turn themselves in of their own will within the one-month period will be secure in the security of God as far as they are concerned, and will be treated according to God’s law pertaining to the rights of others. It carries a promise for dropping the public right which suggests the state would drop charges against those who surrender but that they would still have to obtain a pardon from people harmed by their acts.
This is a very positive sign. I think it would be appropriate if committees were set up in each province of the Kingdom to contact those harmed, Saudis and expatriates, and seek to convince them to drop the charges against the wanted individuals. If they agree to pardon and drop the charges seeking the reward from the Almighty Allah as encouraged by the Holy Qur’an, or if they settled for compensation in the form of diyah (blood money), this would be a very good development. If, however, they insisted, then they have every right to press ahead with the charges.
The process of contacting the people harmed has to be conducted in a cordial and fraternal manner, free of any kind of pressure. The committees should work in close coordination with the governorates and should include revered and respected scholars and members of the community who are known for doing good. The entire process must be kept away from the media and only the final results be made public.
I think there is no harm in giving the families of those affected by the attacks time to rethink and consider their position. Maybe in the end they would agree to pardon those who did them harm and seek the reward in the hereafter. However, those who insist on pressing charges have the right to do so.
In the event some agree to take diyah, the committee may ask the financially able to contribute toward raising the amounts required. Spending for this purpose is a noble work that is highly rewarded.
Those who contribute toward this noble effort should be honored and their work highly appreciated. They may even be awarded certificates of appreciation or medals.
It is important that people feel they are one family and that they are partners in shouldering the responsibility toward their country, their fellow citizens and the expatriates working and living among them.
