Martyr's last wish: Sell my car, build a mosque

Emirati martyr Yousof Salem Ali Al Kaabi's last wish before leaving for Yemen was to build a mosque in his hometown of Madhab in Fujairah. He instructed his family to sell his car and use the money to build the mosque, his sister, Aidah Salem, has said. "My brother was a very compassionate person, who always liked charity and volunteering work," said Aidah. "We will fulfil his wish of building the mosque." Al Kaabi's father is "overwhelmed with grief" over his death, which the father said is "inevitable. But along with sadness, I feel proud that he sacrificed his soul for the country. "My son chose martyrdom. Joining his fearless brothers to defend Yemen was the best choice he could have made. He has engraved his name with blood in the list of faithful Emiratis. "I would offer myself to serve my nation if I could," said the proud father. Al Kaabi was martyred in the line of duty in Yemen, where he was part of the Emirati soldiers in the Saudi Arabia-led Arab Coalition's Operation Restore Hope. The 32-year-old martyr is survived by two children: A 7-month-old boy, Abdullah, and a 3-year-old daughter, Asmaa. He and one of his nine siblings, Jumaa, joined the UAE Armed Forces 10 years ago. "The entire country is proud of my son's sacrifice. He belonged to the new generation, which has been raised with the values of giving, patriotism, dignity and pride," said his father. The martyr's mother recalled her son as someone with a kind and compassionate heart. "He unhesitatingly responded to the call of duty and stood with the Emirati soldiers in the face of aggression. He will forever remain a hero in my memories and a kindhearted, pious and obedient son," said the mother. "His martyrdom in the defence of righteousness makes us proud." Al Kaabi's sacrifice has become a source of inspiration and pride for the residents of his area. -Khaleej Times