Egyptian Fathers Letter to his 17 Year-Old Martyred Daughter

Egyptian Fathers Letter to his 17 Year-Old Martyred Daughter

Asma al-Beltaji, daughter of the Muslim Brotherhood leader Dr. Mohamed Al-Beltaji was just 17 years old when she was treacherously killed. Minutes before 10.30am Cairo time (8.30 GMT) on Wednesday morning, 14 August, Asmaa accompanied by her mother fell next to Rabea Al Adawiya podium when a sniper shot her in the chest and the back. This led to her death within a few minutes. One of the last things Asmaa said was: "Persist, victory will come soon. Do not leave the revolution to the army." Asmaa had simple angelic features or "French quiet" features as her friends had always told her. Her heart and mind were a hundred percent Egyptian and she showed revolutionary, intellectual maturity in spite of her young age. She participated in all demonstrations since the revolution of January 2011, whether organised by the Brotherhood or not. Her father Dr. Mohamed Al-Beltaji was heartbroken when his daughter was martyred. He penned a letter so heartfelt and intense that upon hearing the letter during a live TV broadcast, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan broke down in to tears. Below is a translation of the original letter: My beloved daughter and dignified teacher Asma al-BeltajiI, I do not say goodbye to you I say tomorrow we shall meet again. You have lived with your head held high, rebellious against tyranny and shackles and loving freedom. You have lived as a silent seeker of new horizons to rebuild this nation to assume its place among civilizations. You never occupied yourself with what preoccupies those of your age. Even though traditional studies failed to fulfill your aspirations and interest you have always been the first in your class. I have not had enough of your precious company in this short life especially that my time did not allow me to enjoy your companionship. The last time we sat together at Rabaa Al Adawiya square you asked me "even when you are with us you are busy" and I told you "it seems that this life will not be enough to enjoy each other's company so I pray to Allah that we enjoy our companionship in paradise." Two nights before you were murdered I saw you in my dream in a white wedding dress and you were an icon of beauty. When you lay next to me I asked you "Is it your wedding night?" You answered “It is in the noon not the evening". When they told me you were murdered on Wednesday afternoon I understood what you meant and I knew Allah had accepted your soul as a martyr. You strengthened my belief that we are on the truth and our enemy is on falsehood. It caused me severe pain not to be at your last farewell and see you for the last time, not to kiss your forehead and not be honoured to lead your funeral prayer. I swear to Allah my darling I was not afraid for my life or from an unjust prison but I wanted to carry the message you sacrificed your soul for: to complete the revolution to win and achieve its objectives. Your soul has been elevated with your head held high resisting the tyrants. The treacherous bullets have hit you in the chest. What spectacularly determined and pure soul. I am confident that you were honest to Allah and He has chosen you among us to honour you with sacrifice. Finally my beloved daughter and dignified teacher: I do not say goodbye but I say farewell. We shall meet soon with our beloved Prophet (SAW) and his companions in Heaven where our wish to enjoy each other's company and our loved ones' company will come true.