Out of fear that the opposites may merge into one (Part 1 of 2)
Mujahid al-Suraymi — Sana’a
I have just emerged from a long and strenuous journey of contemplation—one in which I tried to gather the scattered fragments that carried within them stories of the free and faithful—those who connected the beginning to the end, and embodied faith through action.
Whenever they moved, it was for the realization of truth — the truth under whose banner they marched, offering their very souls to spread it, strengthen its foundations, and reveal its essence and form in all arenas.
Their word was decisive, and their deeds embodied justice and equality. They were sincere with the Most Merciful — not through excessive devotion, rituals, and vows that would make them appear as secluded monks and ascetics, but through their deep connection — indeed, their dissolution — among the people. They carried the burdens of others, dedicating their lives to serve them; they honored the elderly and showed compassion to the young; they sat with the poor and stood beside the weak and downtrodden. They dealt with all things wisely — no ignorant speech provoked them, nor did dissent trouble their hearts. Their criterion in seeking souls worthy of joining the ranks of truth was not the appearance of piety or the form of prayer, but the purity of nature, nobility of character, sincerity with God and with people, and the courage to confront oppression, corruption, and arrogance.
What they most despised was seeking favor with the elite and the powerful at the expense of the poor and oppressed — those who were invisible in their villages and cities. To them, there was no difference between the son of a sheikh and the son of a street cleaner, as long as both stood within the same movement — a movement that shed all titles and ranks, rejected all forms of social, ethnic, regional, and class distinction, and united everyone under one name: Ansar Allah (the supporters of God).
If a distressed soul sought their help, they came to his aid; if a weak one called for them, they rushed to his rescue. Never would they ignore the cry of an oppressed person, a tear of deprivation, or the plea of the needy. It was never known of them to support a tyrant in his tyranny, nor to confine truth and existence to their own group while condemning the rest of society as lost or ignorant.
They were far removed from hardness of heart, harshness of temper, rash anger, arrogance, or any violation of human dignity. They were men of patience, knowledge, humility, forgiveness, love, mercy, and generosity. Their smile was the key to every heart, and kind words were their capital in every field of service and engagement with society.
Thus, they were strength before power itself, and the greater victory before victory was achieved.
These are the souls—the living spirit—behind all that has been accomplished in the era of the movement and the revolution, from the first cry to the launching of the first missile; and upon them, after God, rests the greatest hope.
