Two Saudis sentenced to death for murder have been saved following the intervention of Makkah Gov. Prince Khaled Al-Faisal, who is an adviser to Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and chairman of the nation’s reconciliation committee.

The two convicted Saudis are Badr Hamadi Al-Hadli and Anis Qayed Ahmed. Al-Hadli had murdered Ibrahim Muafa Mansour, a Yemeni, while Ahmed killed Abdurrahim Abdul Qader Shaaf.

“The two families have forgiven the killers of their sons Ibrahim and Abdurrahim seeking the reward of Allah, and accepted the intercession of Prince Khaled,” said Nasser bin Musfer Al-Zahrani, the committee’s executive president.

Al-Zahrani said Prince Khaled had urged the panelists to ensure they carry out their social and humanitarian mandate. “As a result of Prince Khaled’s support, the committee has won an award for excellence,” he said.

Prince Khaled was instrumental in removing obstacles facing the committee, Al-Zahrani said. He also set up an honorary committee comprising prominent personalities, including businessmen and intellectuals.

The committee was successful in negotiating pardons for people involved in 310 murder cases and settling about 30,000 family disputes over the years.

Mohammed Badahdah, assistant secretary-general of the World Assembly of Muslim Youth, told Arab News that Prince Khaled played an exemplary role in the reconciliation committee, describing it as a “great social service.”

“Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has encouraged Muslim leaders to settle disputes among them. People listen to rulers more than scholars because of their authority. This kind of reconciliation among families and tribes promotes peace and stability and reduces tension in society,” Badahdah said.