On July 15, 2025, a wave of relief have swept across India as the Yemeni government have officially postponed the execution of Nimisha Priya, a nurse from Kerala. Her life was spared all thanks to the last-minute efforts of India’s Grand Mufti and Sunni leader, Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar, whose intervention have brought hope after the years of uncertainty.
Nimisha Priya had been sentenced to death in Yemen for the 2017 murder of her former business partner
Despite of all the appeals and diplomatic efforts, her execution was scheduled for July 16, 2025. With all the time running out, Kanthapuram finally stepped in and reached out to the respected Yemeni Islamic scholar Sheikh Habib Omar bin Hafiz. This move was proved to be a turning point.
Sheikh Habib Omar, a member of Yemen’s Shura Council
A highly respected Sufi leader have responded to the Kanthapuram’s and have request for initiating talks with Mahdi’s family. His nephew, Habib Abdurahman Ali Mashoor, led to the discussions, which included the key figures like the Chief Justice of Hudaida State Court and other council members. These talks were crucial, as Mahdi’s family had previously refused to engage with anyone and were seeking clemency for Nimisha.
The emotional weight of the case had made negotiations nearly impossible
Mahdi’s murder was deeply affected not only his family but also the local community also in Dhamar, Yemen. However, the involvement of Sheikh Habib Omar who is known for his spiritual influence and moral authority, helped open the door to this dialogue.
Kanthapuram shared the news of the execution stay on his social media
By posting the official Yemeni government order in Arabic. He have thanked everyone who have prayed for Nimisha and the credited divine grace for all the positive outcome. His intervention was prompted by the appeals from Indian politicians, including the Congress leader Chandy Oommen.
The stay of execution does not mean Nimisha is free yet
Talks are ongoing to convince Mahdi’s family to accept the diya—blood money—as allowed by the Sharia law. If they agree then only Nimisha could be legally pardoned and released. The negotiation team has reportedly offered $1 million as of compensation.
Indian government told the Supreme Court
Its diplomatic options were limited due to the Yemen’s complex political situation. Attorney General R. Venkataramani have stated that the government had engaged with the influential sheikhs but could not do much through the official channels.
Nimisha remains in prison in Sana’a, Yemen’s capital
But the intervention by the Kanthapuram and the willingness of the Yemeni scholars to mediate has given her and her family a sense of hope. This case highlights the power of religious diplomacy and the importance of humanitarian efforts in saving the lives.
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