Testimony of the Martyr Ahmad Abu Rwaida's Mother (One of the Victims of the Eagle Operation in Sinai)
Upbringing and Religious Education
God willing, we will count "Ahmad Abu Rwaida" among the martyrs. I do not know what to say about Ahmad, but throughout his life, he was dutiful to his mother, father, and siblings. From a young age, he knew our Lord and memorized the Quran, and he was diligent in prayer from the age of five, attending the mosque from the age of seven, and never missing a prayer even as he grew older.
He was raised in Saudi Arabia. All my children were born and raised there. Ahmad was born in Saudi Arabia when he was about a year and a half old. Praise be to God, they were raised with a good Islamic upbringing because their father raised them well. He was very close to the Quran, completing the recitation of the Quran every three days. My children were raised under his care, and praise be to God, they are all righteous.
His Extreme Piety Towards His Parents
Since he was young, Ahmad could not see new fruit in the market or anything in season without buying it for me and his father first. He would say to me, "No, Mother, you and Father should eat first." When I would tell him, "My son, take it to your children and your family," he would insist and say, "By God, no, you and Father should eat first."
When his father underwent surgery due to a pelvic fracture and was hospitalized, Ahmad would sleep under his father's legs and never leave him. Even when he returned home, he would sleep on the floor next to his father's bed and say, "I fear that Father may need something and I will not hear him while I am asleep."
Longing for Martyrdom
Ahmad would always say to me, "God willing, I will be martyred. I do not want to die while sleeping in my bed. I want to die as a martyr, and my martyrdom should be distinguished." I would tell him, "Ahmad, do not say such things." He would ask his brothers and wife to pray for his martyrdom.
He would say to me, "Mother, I love you and Father very much, and I wish to be martyred so that I can take you both to Paradise by the hand." I found it difficult to say this prayer, but he would insist and say, "If you truly love me, then pray for my martyrdom." Due to his persistence, I told him, "O Lord, if he wishes for martyrdom, may our Lord grant it to him," even though it was very difficult for my heart.
His Morals, Smile, and Maintaining Family Ties
His life was full of good deeds and kindness, and his smile never left him. To the extent that at school, the teacher thought he was laughing in class, so Ahmad would say to him, "I am not laughing. My face is always smiling." He never knew how to frown.
He was very diligent in maintaining family ties and would always say that maintaining family ties is what will grant us entry into Paradise. No one was ever angry with him, and this is not just my opinion because he is my son, but ask anyone who knows "Ahmad Abu Rwaida" and they will tell you who Ahmad is.
His Charitable Works and Helping the Sick
If he knew of a sick person, he would not leave them. He would go to the doctors and inform them about the poor cases who could not afford the costs, and he would collect donations to cover the hospital expenses.
I remember a girl who was suffering from cancer. He would visit her every day to recite the Quran for her and bring her sweets to ease her suffering, despite her living in Giza and him in Nasr City. He continued to follow her condition and console her father until she passed away. He would say that these patients deserve compassion and help. This is how he treated everyone.