In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
“From among the believers are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. Some of them have fulfilled their vows, and some are still waiting, and they have not changed [their commitment] in the least.” (Quran, Surah Al-Ahzab: 23)
With the living martyr Ayman Derbali, my diligent and persevering friend, and servant of humanity!
Ayman is the hero who turned his body into a shield to protect his praying brothers from murder during the terrorist attack on the Quebec City Mosque on January 29, 2017. Seven bullets pierced Ayman’s body, leaving him with complex disabilities and permanent paralysis!
Yet he set a wonderful example of sacrifice, altruism, and resilience. In addition to his continuous work advocating for Muslim issues in Canada and collaborating with associations and pressure centers to combat Islamophobia and racism, Ayman devoted his time to supporting humanitarian work, sponsoring orphans, and water projects in Gaza, receiving significant community engagement here.
Much love, respect, and admiration for my dear friend, the patient and steadfast, along with his resilient and militant wife and his kind family!
We also extend our appreciation to our friend Nizar and his daughter, who were at the mosque during the attack, and to our sister Khadija Thabeti, the widow of the martyr Abu Bakr Thabeti, from the region of Nekrif in Tataouine, who was martyred during the incident! And also the other martyrs and wounded from this horrific attack.
