Written by: Hisham Shaheed
Shaheed Khalil-ur-Rahman Haqqani, son of Muhammad Amin, hailed from Kando village in the Gerda Serai District of Paktia province. His father, a notable figure and esteemed religious scholar in the locality, wielded significant influence.
Khalil-ur-Rahman was the youngest of three brothers. While his older brothers were engrossed in academic pursuits, he shouldered the responsibilities of managing the household. Even in his childhood, alongside domestic duties, he tended to the family’s livestock. One day, while herding the animals, he was urgently summoned home, only to discover that his father had passed away. Consequently, the entire burden of the family fell upon his adolescent shoulders.
Despite his domestic obligations, Haji Khalil-ur-Rahman also engaged in political activities alongside his brothers. When the signs of communism’s rise became apparent, his family decided to resist, committed to safeguarding their region from all forms of malevolence, strife, and disbelief.
During the resistance against communism, he endeavored to rescue a detained comrade, but their efforts were uncovered by Daud Khan’s government. This compelled them to migrate in 1354 (solar calendar). Following the assassination of Daud Khan, he resumed the jihad, persistently battling against communism until the country was liberated from its influence.
Throughout the Mujahideen’s governance, he neither sought nor desired any official position. However, upon observing the country’s deteriorating state, he participated in the struggle under the guidance of the esteemed Mullah Sahib (may Allah have mercy on him), alongside his brothers and family. They established the Islamic Emirate and rescued the nation from chaos once again.
Barely had he taken a moment of repose when the American occupation invaded the country, targeting the home of Martyr Haji for the first time. 13 members of his family were martyred, compelling them to migrate once more. This time, the adversary was much more formidable, and they were fatigued. Nonetheless, this exhaustion only heightened their resolve. Over two decades of combat against the American occupation, 80 of his family members were martyred. Following the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate (IEA), he was appointed as the Minister of Refugees. Over three years, he provided such outstanding service in the refugee sector that he averted a major crisis in the country.
His unparalleled contributions encompass overcoming communism, eradicating fitnah, ending the American occupation, and delivering remarkable services to the nation. Haji Sahib (may Allah accept him) ultimately achieved his long-cherished goal of martyrdom, departing this world on the path of Hamza ibn Abd al-Muttalib (RA). May Allah accept his sacrifice.
Haji Sahib was not solely a Mujahid but also an adept statesman, a tribal leader, and a hero of nation-building. He consistently stood at the forefront of sacrifice for his people. His family has continuously been at the forefront of contemporary Islamic movements, excelling in political astuteness, leadership, knowledge, and sacrifice. Shaheed Haji Sahib is the 81st martyr in his family within this half-century.
They opposed communism, strife, the West, and republicanism, constituting a pillar for the prevailing systems of their era. Despite their immense sacrifices, his family remains resilient, their morale high, and their determination unwavering, believing that this land still necessitates further sacrifices. Their mission now entails purging the region of the Khawarij and shielding it from their malevolence.
Today, the soul of Jalal will rest in tranquility as his younger brother joins him. Today, the soul of Osama will rejoice as his closest companion from the days of exile reunites with him. Even disbelief itself may feel alleviated today, as its formidable adversary was martyred by the deviant factions “Khawarij”.
