Shahd Hashem al-Saqqa

She was the epitome of politeness, good character, and taste, and was sweet-spoken. Everyone in her family and at school could attest to her good morals and her shyness. She was killed with her brothers, Issam and Abdel-Rahman, during their weekly Thursday visit to their mother. In her final months, she was incredibly devoted to her voluntary fasts, to completing the Quran, and to giving charity in secret. She always reproached herself for anything she felt might be wrong. Every night, I would wake to the sound of her performing the night prayers, and she would wake up upset if she was late for the dawn prayer. In her last days, Shahd was diligent in her online studies. Whenever I told her not to tire herself out, saying everyone would pass their grade because of the war, she would reply, "I am studying as a jihad in the path of God, because I will be held accountable for my time, not for worldly grades." She was very affectionate and very sensitive. She was afraid of upsetting anyone and always sought to please everyone, console everyone, and be kind to everyone, all out of a powerful religious conviction. She prepared for her departure early, my love. She met her Lord with the face she herself loved.