We are filled with sadness over the killing of Major Yasser Issawi on the Egyptian-Palestinian border. The head of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) Planning and Budget Committee Ahmed Ezz mourned Yasser Issawi. God have mercy upon him and our sincere condolences for his family and the people of Kafr El-Sheikh. It is Ezz, and Ezz only, who remembered to mourn Yasser. Yes, he is a martyr even if this is not the opinion of Al-Azhar Scholars Front and those who speak on its behalf from Kuwait. The holy Quran says: "Think not of those who are slain in Allah's way as dead. Nay, they live, finding their sustenance in the presence of their Lord." If martyr Issawi were a businessman or a son, grandson, brother-in-law of a businessman or if he was well-connected, condolence would be poured on the pages of all papers including Al-Ahram and Al-Akhbar. If martyr Issawi were one of those who frequent luxury places such as Arcadia Mall, live in Madinati City, have a Hummer car or spent his time on the beaches of Porto Marina, Al-Ahram daily would not be able to meet all the requests of condolence. If Issawi were an official or a son or father of any official or a cousin of a minister or brother-in-law of an NDP leading figure, all state officials and ministers would mourn him.
Major Issawi is not an official at tourism and banking companies or an MP or a member in the local council to be mourned. His wife has to weep so that the hearts that turned into rocks may feel the pain of the simple people. Suffice it to say that Issawi was a major in Egypt's army. This was his qualification. Is it enough for consolation? He was guarding the border from enemies. Our Prophet said: "Two men will never go to hell: A man cried out of fear from God and a man spent his night guarding for the sake of God." There is a big difference in volume, letters and titles between Ezz's condolence for Issawi and those for officials and tycoons.
