Martyrdom is a heavenly gift, say families

Abu Dhabi/Fujairah - Hundreds of people flock to the houses of UAE heroes to offer condolences.

Enemies wanted to end the life of the servicemen, but they led them to a happier life where they are ranked high as martyrs. This was the reaction of the families of the four UAE heroes martyred in Tuesday's attacks on the exiled Yemeni officials and Saudi-led troops in Aden in Yemen.
The Emirati servicemen martyred were Warrant Officers Ahmed Khamis Malullah Al Hamadi and Yousof Salem Ali Al Kaabi; First Corporal Ali Khamis bin Ayed Al Ketbi and Sergeant Major Mohammed Khalfan Al Siyabi.
Ali Mohammed, cousin of Al Hamadi, told Khaleej Times on Wednesday the 35-year-old martyr, based at the Old Baida district of Marfa area in Abu Dhabi, was in love with his country. "He always dreamt of being a soldier in the UAE armed forces to defend this land and people, sacrifice his blood for his nation, and die as a martyr to seek forgiveness for his family and be in paradise in the Hereafter."
The hero, the first martyr of the Western region, was kind and widely known for his good manners, he added. "Though he lost his father when he was just eight years old, he behaved like a man from that early age and looked after his mother, brothers and sisters."
Martyr Al Hammadi was married and had four daughters and one son, Mohammed elaborated. "The last time he called us was about two months ago before travelling to Yemen to participate in the 'Restoring Hope' operation there."
What is amazing is his mother's response, he pointed out. "Though shocked of the sad demise of her dear son, she is happy about his martyrdom. She said it is rather a blessing or a gift from Almighty Allah to have a martyr as one of the family members." Hundreds of people flocked to the house to offer condolences to his family. And to their surprise, the mother gave them a lesson in patriotism.
"There is nothing than the nation, and I am more than ready to sacrifice all his four brothers, already in military uniform, for the sake of the nation," the mother said, indicating that nothing is as painful as losing a son. "Ahmed has honoured us all with his martyrdom." Saleh Ismael Al Hammadi, cousin of the martyr, and his brother-in-law, said the martyr was an exceptional player in Bani Yas Club until the age of 18.
Ready to take his place
Ahmed Khalfan, brother of Al Siyabi, said all family members are happy about the martyrdom of the 35-year-old hero based in Al Shamkha area of Abu Dhabi.
"The martyr was in constant touch with his wife and six children whom he loved very much, but left them behind for the bigger love of the nation which he willingly shed his blood for." Mohammed's two brothers, though sad about his death, said they are ready to take his place.
It is an honour
Majid Khamis, brother of 29-year-old martyr Al Ketbi, based in the New Al Dhahira area of Al Ain, said his brother died while performing national duty.
"It is an honour. No one should ever be sad about his martyrdom. It is a precious heavenly gift from Almighty Allah that we have all dreamt of to enter paradise."
The martyr, though married, had no children yet, he said.
Majid said his mother is shocked but patient. "She cried much when told of her son's death, but she is feeling better now, and said she is ready to sacrifice all her children for the sake of the country."
Family man
Ali Salem, brother of Al Kaabi, said the 32-year-old martyr, based in Madhab area, was always in touch with his family, especially his wife.
"But he did not call for almost a month. We knew he was in a sacred military mission, and hence used to pray for him to come back safe or win the rank of martyrdom."
The martyr has a four-month-old son and a four-year-old daughter.
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com

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