Khaberni - Lieutenant Mohammad Al-Sheyab dedicated these words to his deceased father two months before his promotion, as follows:
In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
The father and companion
The emotional biography
By his son Mohammad
Abdullah Za'al Al-Sheyab – may Allah have mercy on him –
It's not easy to write about a man who was the beginning in everything, your shadow when you seek refuge in life, and your support as days sway you.
It's not easy to speak about a father who was not just a father by blood, but a school in manners, an institution in values, and a voice for truth, unwavering.
My father Abdullah Za'al Al-Sheyab was born an orphan, but orphanhood was not a handicap in his life, rather a gateway to challenge and determination. He carried the burdens of life from a young age, with no support but Allah, working his way through sweat, toil, and faith. He taught me from a young age that manhood is not measured by possessions, but by what you give, and that honor is not inherited, but earned through honesty and piety.
He was a believer in Allah, reliant on Him in every matter, a genuine nature resided deep within him. He saw in worship a cultivation of the soul, and in patience, a school of manhood, and in contentment and gratitude towards Allah a path to eternal life in His pleasure and paradise.
He excelled in the fields of political, social, and tribal work, committed religiously, a reader of the Quran, he prayed at night, and participated in servicing mosques. He was generous, brave, serene, and compassionate, his home always open to anyone in need, a haven of generosity and decency.
He never surrendered to illness but faced it with strength and will. When visiting the doctor, who seemed helpless before his condition, he confidently said, "Doctor, I need a solution, I fear not death," thus affirming his courage and steadfastness until his final moments, maintaining his dignity and profound faith.
In the aspect of worship, he was a wonderful example of devotion to Allah. He performed all Islamic obligations consistently, devout in his prayers and remembrance, and nighttime prayers. He performed the Hajj to the Holy House of Allah multiple times, performing the rituals also on behalf of others, blending worship with generosity and a spirit of giving. He also prayed in Jerusalem, his heart longing for the next time he could pray there after its liberation, believing that his prayer in Al-Aqsa Mosque would feel a deeper sense of peace, freedom, and sanctity.
He traveled to most countries, always clean-handed and chaste, carrying his prayer rug, maintaining purity at all times.
He detested lying, always reminding us that honesty and integrity are the basis of a person's character, and that lying, no matter how minor, weakens a person and distorts their image before themselves and others.
I accompanied him in every situation, witnessing his strength, wisdom, and loyalty. He loved people and participated in their joys and sorrows, his smile always on his face. He generously spread kindness, stood with the oppressed, and faced challenges steadfastly. He taught me how to be honest, pure, generous, and brave.
Although quick to anger and possessing dignity and majesty, he was forgiving towards all. I remember an encounter with people of another religion, where he treated them with mildness and generosity, reflecting a beautiful image of Islam and advocating for noble values. His gentle and honest dealings left a deep impression on their souls.
Even in his death, he showed his generosity, wisdom, and concern for others. He instructed me not to hold mourning for him, saying: "Oh my boy Muhammad, may Allah help people." He did not want to burden anyone, nor did he want his sorrow to be a burden on the people. He wanted to send a message to society, to break the customs and traditions that burden people in times of joy and sorrow.
But people could not let his departure pass silently. The news of his death was a shock to everyone; many could not believe that the man they used to see strong and present among them had suddenly passed away, casting sorrow on hearts and tears in eyes.
On the day of his mourning, the scene was majestic and unique, and trustworthy senior figures from the community of righteousness and good, spoke of his virtues and fragrant biography. One of them, from the people of righteousness said: "I have seldom seen a mourning like this," reflecting the magnitude of his stature and the deep respect people had for him. Thousands from different segments of society came to offer their condolences, and his friends from abroad called immediately upon hearing the news of his death, expressing their sadness and desire to attend despite the distances. The sorrow for his departure was deep and unforgettable.
Among the attendees were the chief of the royal court and his companions on behalf of His Majesty King Abdullah II, may Allah protect him and his Crown Prince, indicating his high status and great respect.
I heard poignant words from the mourners, such as:
"Abu Muhammad, dearly missed!"
"What a loss, Abu Muhammad!"
"Abu Muhammad, my Hussein!"
Your father – may Allah have mercy on him – covers the face!
As for friends and acquaintances of my father, whether those alive – may Allah prolong their lives – or those who have passed to His mercy and pleasure, they were the best of companions and loyal, with a good reputation and hearts filled with righteousness and sincerity.
They were his partners in life's situations, supporting him and appreciating him, feeling pride and dignity in his company, adding to his value in society, and linking his memory and theirs with the reputation of kindness and true loyalty, thus leaving his great legacy immortal.
Today, after he has left me, my heart is wrung with the pain of loss and the agony of absence, filled with longing for his presence and the warmth of his heart and his wisdom. The void he left in my life is irreparable, yet his memory lives on in my heart, his meanings and advice illuminate my path, and I draw strength from them to continue my life in his footsteps.
He always strived for the highest paradise, his heart filled with hope and optimism in Allah, even in the toughest moments. He taught me to face life with honesty and faith, to be generous, brave, and patient, and to leave a good impact on the lives of those around me. He was not just a father, but also a friend, companion, teacher, and brother, and my eternal companion whom I will always hold in my heart and recount his life story to my children and grandchildren, to remain a living example of generosity, bravery, faith, patience, and loyalty.
For me, he was an irreplaceable figure. His departure left deep pain in my heart and soul, but also left an unforgettable legacy of values and principles that I will carry with me throughout my life. I will continually pray for him, asking Allah to reunite us one day in His gardens, where there is no pain or separation, and to bless him with mercy, forgiveness, and the highest paradise, to remain my eternal companion until I meet him again.
