Mullah Muhammad Umar Mujahid (RH), The Symbol of Valor and Greatness

by: Anas Haqqani

Today, the 4th day of the second month of year 1400 of Solar Hijri calendar marks the 8th anniversary of the passing of the proud and legendary leader of Afghans, Amir ul Momineen Mullah Muhammad Umar Mujahid (RH). Eight years ago, the late Amir ul Momineen gave his soul to our Lord the Almighty in a mud house at the time of afternoon in Seyuri district of southern Zabul province. Mullah Sahib was indeed the Amir ul Momineen of the 21st century. Allah Almighty had given him special piety, spirituality and reliance on Allah. For thirteen years, he led the struggle and jihad with firm faith from a mud house against the armed forces of the world powers such as NATO and their allied countries.

Only those who, like Mullah Sahib, have a special commitment and relationship with their Lord and are willing to sacrifice all of their possessions, including themselves, their families and their children, can lead as such. The late Mullah Sahib responded to human technology of the 21st century with his extraordinary spirituality, faith and piety. He did not bow down to the world powers and left his religious, national status and greatness to history to be embroidered in gold. Mullah Sahib left the lessons of struggle, selflessness and compassion to future generations. Centuries will pass, historians will get tired of writing about Mullah Sahib’s noble deeds, yet his deeds will not fade away. Mullah Sahib’s compassion, affection and loyalty are not only an admiration for every Muslim, but also valuable for every freedom seeking and loving human being.

On the occasion of the death anniversary of Mullah Sahib (may Allah have mercy on him), I would like to share with readers a memory of my father, the late Alhaj Maulvi Jalaluddin Haqqani (RH) about Mullah Sahib.

My late father told us the story of the late Mullah Muhammad Umar Mujahid (RH) that he liked several characteristics in the personality of late Mullah Sahib and told us that they were his favorite. One of those characteristics was valor. He told us that he was a man of valor. One of the main reasons he swore allegiance to him was the valor of Mullah Sahib and that ” I pledged my allegiance to him due to the very reason”. He told us that, “during the first moments of the American invasion. In the dark skies of Kabul, the invaders were flying their B52 bombers and were bombing innocent civilians in Kabul. Kabul was being evacuated. Cabinet members initially gathered in Logar and then in Gardez to decide what to do”.

My father told us that, “My insistence was to leave Kabul. If we leave Kabul, we will have to put up our lines in Charasiab and confront them. But the opinion of some of the friends was that resistance would be futile. We had long arguments and discussion. I didn’t accept what they said and I told them that is this your opinion or is it the order of Amir ul Momineen. They told me that it’s their opinion. I told them that as long as there do not receive any instructions from Amir ul Momineen, I will not accept what your suggestions. The matter was referred to Mullah Sahib and it was decided that Mullah Sahib would enter the main communication line in the afternoon and give you the final order. All officials should stand ready”.

He continued with “I had told myself at the time that Mullah Sahib! I swore allegiance to you because of your valor and courage, and today is the day to test your resolve. All of us were waiting for Mullah Sahib to enter the communication radio and give the final order. When Mullah Sahib entered the main radio, there were other voices, probably opponents. Mullah Sahib then entered another channel of the radio. After praising the Almighty Allah, he ordered everyone to fight till the last moment and that no one should lay down their arms and do not retreat from jihad, this is the best duty”.

My father laughed at this and added: “I thanked Allah and renewed my commitment to my Lord that Mullah Sahib was my leader and will continue to be so in future. I am always proud of your fearless courage”.

It was a memory of my father about the late Amir ul Momineen (may Allah have mercy on him) at a historical moment of our country. Until the last moment of his life, my father’s advice to everyone was to obey the late Mullah Sahib until he leaves the path of jihad and struggle.

May Allah the Almighty illuminate the graves of both his proud servants. Even in the most difficult of moments, they did not utter a word of weakness. There were the symbols of valor. The feet of many people slipped, they got deceived that they are up against technology, and that they are at war with a superpower that cannot be defeated. But today, thanks to this jihad, the same superpower is interacting with us in a way that it did not during our official government. These were the words of the true leader which became true. It was his faith, zeal and piety that foretold these days. At that time, Mullah Sahib’s words were not acceptable to many but today many have agreed.

May Allah have mercy on him.