India’s Grand Mufti Cites Islamic Law After Helping Delay Nimisha Priya’s Execution

India’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, has played a key role in delaying the execution of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala who was facing the death penalty in Yemen. The execution, initially planned for July 16, has been put on hold after ongoing efforts to engage with the victim’s family.

Possibility of Forgiveness Under Islamic Law

Speaking about the development, the Grand Mufti explained that Islamic law allows the family of a murder victim to forgive the accused. Although he has never met the victim’s family personally, he reached out to respected religious scholars in Yemen, encouraging them to talk with the family and explore the possibility of a pardon.

“Islam teaches compassion,” said Kanthapuram. “Even in a case where someone is sentenced to death, the family has the right to forgive. I used my contacts to urge Yemeni scholars to consider this human aspect and speak with the family involved.”

Yemeni Scholars Respond to Appeal

Following his appeal, the scholars in Yemen came together to review the case. After their discussions, they agreed to help and later sent an official document confirming that the execution had been postponed. This delay opens a critical window to continue dialogue with the victim’s family.

The Grand Mufti also said that he kept Indian authorities informed throughout the process. “I have shared all the details with the central government and even sent a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office to make them aware of the developments,” he noted.

Background of the Case

Nimisha Priya was arrested in July 2017 for the murder of her Yemeni business associate. In 2020, a Yemeni court sentenced her to death. Her appeal was later rejected by the country’s Supreme Judicial Council in November 2023.

Now, with the postponement in place, the focus has shifted to finding a resolution through further discussions with the victim’s family—possibly leading to forgiveness under Islamic principles.