Good Returns to Loyal Wives of Martyrs

Nour Rida


Words of gratitude... what are these before the wives of martyrs, who continue the journey they started with the husband, the supporter.

"If I were to set them in order, first the good returns go to the wives of the martyrs (meaning the mothers of the martyrs' orphans)." These are words of the Resistance leader Sayyed Nasrallah, who always expresses gratitude and appreciation to the mothers of the orphaned children, despite all hardships.

Many of the wives were still at the prime of their youth when their husbands were martyred, and many of them insisted on assuming this great responsibility in absence of the supporter - which means bringing up these orphans as well as supporting them.

The mother of the orphans, hence wife of the martyr- is an evident manifestation of sacrifice and perseverance.

Many are the blessed and noble wives of martyrs, who endured and sacrificed to protect these orphaned young men and girls and small sons and daughters in order to present them to the nation and people, and for them to carry new responsibilities.

Many of these orphans were born after their father was martyred, which increases the responsibility over the mother's shoulders.

One of these struggling mothers is the wife of martyr Toni Abi Ghanem, Haj Haidar.
It is Ilham, the mother of a beautiful daughter, whose features pretty much resemble a father she never knew, but is spiritually attached to all the time.

A strong mother, who encountered various difficulties to raise up a daughter that can also be a role model to others, and raise up children who will bring wellbeing to society, just like her father would have wanted.

Ilham opened the door, a big smile on her face while standing up straight and firm, her handshake was that of people of honor. Right behind her was the photo of martyr Haidar, his eyes, soft and tender, yet show strength and determination, just like his daughter's.


Then I met that daughter, Batoul Abi Ghanem, and saw the same pride I had seen in the eyes of her mother, and that in the photo of her father.
For two hours, all I saw on their faces was smiles and glowing eyes, enthusiasm and love to the goal they live for, that which their beloved Haj Haidar was martyred for.

Indeed Batoul is the daughter of her father, despite the fact that she was born three months after her father was gone.
"I never knew him except in photos and through stories my mother and family tell me. But I am proud to be his daughter, to follow his lead and the teachings he left, the same teachings my mother clings to and enlighten me with all the time," Batoul said.

"The ones most precious to our hearts are gone to the heavens, Imam Hussein and his household, it would be a very humble attempt of loyalty to God to sacrifice oneself like my father did," Batoul continued with a bigger smile and glowing eyes, adding "My daddy's martyrdom is a badge of honor and pride I hold forever on my chest, and a source of strength and motivation."
Ilham, on her part, and as soon as I asked about his role as a husband said "He appreciated and understood marriage which is based on respect and love, I am sure every girl would wish to have such a loving, caring, and respectful husband."

"I promised him to keep my pledge to God and my promise to him, to raise our daughter the best way possible, and so I did. She is indeed like her father in looks and manners," Ilham said smiling again and again.

"A noble and dignified person of good manners, patience, passion of helping others as well as humble and a person with a sweet sense of humor that perfectly goes along with his piety". This is how his close peers describe martyr Haidar.

Ilham and her daughter seemed very confident and sure about what they want. The mother, Ilham, talked a lot about the support Haj Haidar's family provides them with as well. "We enjoy an excellent relation, and they are always there in our life," further elaborating on the importance of the support a family provides to martyr's children.

Ilham did not neglect the fact that her daughter has to get the best education, just as she has to get her religious education and learn good manners.
Batoul is a successful university student studying mathematics and computer science, and aware of the importance of education.

Ilham did not forget that her daughter felt the pain of missing her father, and so she accompanied her step by step, since her early years, until she was able to understand and comprehend, and feel the strength and pride.

Batoul does not forget that her father is a hero in her eyes, as in the eyes of all those who knew him and could not but love him. Batoul is aware that she will be the one to bring little children to this world, and will raise them up who in their turn will also bring more offspring of morality and virtue.