‘Islam Has a Law’: India’s Grand Mufti Who Helped Defer Nimisha Priya’s Execution Explains Next Steps

India’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Kanthapuram AP Aboobacker Musliyar confirmed on Tuesday that the execution of Kerala nurse Nimisha Priya, scheduled for July 16 in Yemen, has been postponed, offering a crucial window for ongoing talks with the victim’s family to seek a possible pardon.

Musliyar, who is said to have played a key role in the deferment, stated that under Islamic law, the family of a murder victim has the right to forgive the accused. “Islam has another law. If the murderer is sentenced to death, the family of the victim has the right to pardon,” he told ANI.

Although he does not personally know the victim’s family, Kanthapuram said he reached out to Islamic scholars in Yemen, urging them to mediate. “From afar, I contacted responsible scholars in Yemen, explained the situation, and urged them to speak with the family. Islam gives great importance to humanity,” he said.

How the Execution Was Delayed

According to the Grand Mufti, after his appeal, the Yemeni scholars met, deliberated, and agreed to explore the possibility of intervention. They then officially confirmed the postponement of the execution date, which was communicated to Indian authorities through formal documentation.

“This postponement is significant,” Musliyar said, “as it opens the door to pursue further dialogue with the family of the victim. I have also informed the Central government and sent a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the ongoing process.”

Background

Nimisha Priya was arrested in July 2017 for the murder of a Yemeni man, who was her business partner. In 2020, a Yemeni court sentenced her to death, and in November 2023, the Supreme Judicial Council rejected her appeal, upholding the verdict.

Efforts to save Priya have intensified in recent weeks, with humanitarian and legal appeals gaining momentum both in India and internationally. The latest development marks a glimmer of hope for her legal team and supporters advocating for clemency.