YASEEN AL-JAZAIRI

 

Yaseen Al-Jazairi (Abdur-Rab-un-Noor Hameed), from Algeria. Killed in a battle against Communist Forces in Shokhdara, Afghanistan, in 1989. Written by Shaheed Sheikh Abdullah Azzam.

 

The one who fled from marriage in this Life, to marriage in the Next

He came from the Valley of Soofa, and what a beautiful valley it was, throwing out of its jaws many of its children to be lions in the Jihad. He remained in the Jihad for a longer time than any of the other Algerian brothers. The martyr, Fawzi bin Ali, alone would suffice us from the Valley.

An Islamic Family

He was raised with his eyes opened to the blossoms of the Islamic Revival, whose fragrance spread to all sides of the world, and whose light comprised all the Islamic countries. He graduated from high school, and then worked in administration. His parents got him engaged to a girl, because they desired to gratify their eyes with the sight of a grandchild. The engagement took place and the preparations for the wedding began. A short while before the wedding Yaseen was flicking through a magazine on Jihad in the Land of Courage and Sacrifice - what could there be after this? The scholars rule that the fulfilment of a Fard Ain (Islamic Obligation upon every Muslim) does not require the permission of one's parents, so O soul! What excuse do you have inront of Allah after knowing this? Does marriage count as an excuse to abstain from the Jihad? Did not the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (SAWS) marry, or desire to marry? Did this prevent them from presenting their souls to support this Religion? These questions were continuous and recurring; Yaseen's mind could not discard or abandon them. He became occupied with these thoughts, and could not forsake discovering the answer to these questions.

He finally decided absolutely that he must buy a ticket to take him to the Jihad with the money he had saved for his wedding. As for marriage, perhaps it might be in Paradise with the Wide-Eyed Paradise Maidens. Did not Allah (SWT) say:

"Say: If your fathers, your sons, your brothers, your wives, your kindred, the wealth that you have gained, the commerce in which you fear a decline, and the dwellings in which you delight, are dearer to you than Allah and His Messenger, and striving hard and fighting in His Cause, then wait until Allah brings about His Decision (torment). And Allah guides not the people who are Al-Fasiqoon (the rebellious, disobedient) to Allah." [Quran 9:24]

The Pakistani Visa

Yaseen left Algeria, and began to search for a means of attaining an entry visa for Pakistan, so he travelled to Turkey. But he found that there were many difficulties in being granted a Pakistani Visa, due to world pressures - directed by the Jews - on Pakistan. The world would tremble with the fear of only defenceless Muslims. How would they feel if these people bore weapons, if Mujahideen launched an attack to destroy the enemies of Allah in their sleep. Then, the disbelievers would never sleep.

Yaseen moved from Turkey to an Arab state. After a lot of effort, and when the hearts had reached to the throats, Allah facilitated the attainment of the visa for Yaseen. So Yaseen travelled to Pakistan and received his share of military training, but where to now? To the Afghan Valley of Soofa (the Valley of Shokhdara). Allah facilitated their stay there through one of the residents of the valley, Abu Ali Al-Maliki, and the brothers found a friendly atmosphere there. Abu Ali became a trustee for all of the leaders. It was as though the Afghans were guests and Abu Ali was the landlord.

In Shokhdara

Yaseen received a tank from the booty of one battle. He had previous knowledge of Russian tanks, and he began driving it and using it as a means of transport in the area. He would rush into battles, driving this tank and carrying a video camera to record the bomb blasts, other moving tanks and blazing buildings. After one full year in the Valley of Shokhdara, Yaseen found peace and joy in this valley, and now had relatives and friends there.

In Kryzmyeer

The number of Mujahideen in Kryzmeer (a province of Shokhdara) decreased due to the severity of killing. This was followed by thunder in the sky and the rumble of cannons, and the Russian minds were working overtime in devising ways to destroy and annihilate the Muslims.

The Arab brothers refused to call the local residents to face their inevitable fate -surrender to the state- in case they struggled along and preferred death on the second line of defence for Kabul. Their slaughter intensified. The State knew the location of the Arabs, and that the distance between them could be measured in metres. Thus, the shells rarely missed their targets or strayed from their path.

Taqiudeen said: "Yaseen and I witnessed the last battle. He filmed its flames and returned to the house to leave the camera there. As soon as he reached the house, a shell landed on it and claimed his leg. Abdul-Haq Al-Jaza'iri came and dressed the wounds from which blood was gushing forth. We brought the horse on which we wished to transport Yaseen to Jarieez, a journey which would last two nights. An hour after leaving Shokhdara, Yaseen's soul ascended to its Creator."

Yaseen thus passed to the Lord of the Worlds. We hope that Allah - Glory be to Him and Most Exalted be He - will accept Yaseen among the righteous, and will marry him to the Wide-Eyed Paradise Maidens. And thus you left, O' Yaseen, after you had taught us a lot. You taught us that:

"If you plunge into desired glory,
Don't be content with what is this side of the stars,
For the taste of death in a matter little,
Is like the table of death in a matter large."