Abu Dhabi: “I would love to one day to go to Yemen, or any other country in need of hope, to replace despair,” said Hamad Al Ahbabi, younger brother of Butti Ayel Mesfer Al Ahbabi, who was martyred as part of Operation Restoring Hope in Yemen on September 5 and was laid to rest in the UAE on September 6. Butti was 33 years old.
Hamad’s sentiments are a reflection of the pride he takes in his brother’s martyrdom. “Sacrificing yourself to protect one’s country is the highest degree [of courage],” said Hamad, 29.
“I was hoping to see my brother return with the rest of the UAE soldiers whom I was proud to see come back with major victories. However, when I stepped back [from my personal sense of loss], I realised that martyrdom is the best way to bid farewell to life. Dying so that others can live, dying to raise the victory of Islam, are honours one would aspire to be known for in history,” he added.
UAE’s Commemoration Day on November 30, said Hamad, marks a new era of national pride, a day that reminds everyone of the martyrs’ gallant acts, which exemplify bravery, dignity and loyalty.
“This county has granted us a wealth of opportunities; the least we can do in return is to give our lives for it. The UAE leadership was with us every step of the way. And because of their overwhelming compassion and benevolence, they have dedicated a day to observe and remember the martyrs and their sacrifices.”
Echoing her son’s sentiments, Mahra Abdul Rahman Al Ahbabi, the martyr’s mother said that martyrs’ sacrifices for the sake of peace, prosperity and security of their country will eternally make them the nation’s role models.
“Butti’s courage, braveness and dedication strongly reflected in whatever he did. He was a loving, candid and generous individual who always lent others a hand, without expecting anything in return,” said Mahra.
Butti had a deep appreciation for achievers, she said. “He always talked to me about the achievers he used to look up to. Today, people are looking up to him. We couldn’t be more proud of him.”
She believes it is important for parents to teach their children the value of loyalty to one’s country and the spirit of giving without expecting anything in return.
“These were some of the principles I personally focused on and made sure were instilled in my children. I believe [my martyred son’s] achievement encapsulates these virtues.”
Her son, she said, is always in their prayers and thoughts. “We have lost a hero; however, he is in a much better place. He died fighting for his country. He died a martyr. May he land in paradise.”
Butti’s mother also offered her condolences to all the families and mothers of martyrs.
“I would also like to express my deepest respect and appreciation to my country’s leadership, all of whom were with us every step of the way and provided us with the support and love we needed during this time,” she said.
“Butti and all the other martyrs who died in Yemen have made us all exceptionally proud. Their strength, dedication and commitment prove to the world that the UAE is a nation with a wealth of heroes. I would like to ask everyone to always keep them in their prayers. That is the least we can do for our martyrs,” she added.
Butti was married and leaves behind a wife, a son and two daughters.
- Name: Butti Ayel Mesfer Al Ahbabi
- Place of martyrdom: Yemen
- Emirate: Abu Dhabi
- Place of birth: Dubai
- Date of birth: 1.1.1982
- Date of martyrdom: 5.9.2015
