Illustrious Personalities of the Ummah
Only stars shine in the darkness; among the magnificent creations of Allah Almighty, these celestial bodies glitter on the horizon of the earth, guiding the wayward and travelers to their destination.
Indeed, only those individuals can benefit from their brilliance—those whose hearts have been illuminated by the light of divine guidance. The glow emanating from these purified and enlightened souls becomes a torchlight for others in times of confusion and darkness. Among such radiant figures was the noble martyr, Hafiz Zainullah, more widely known as Hafiz Mansoor (may Allah accept him), whose life, knowledge, and struggle represent a luminous chapter in the story of the Islamic Ummah.
1. Birth and Early Life
Hafiz Mansoor (RAH) was born in 1375 Hijri Solar (1996–1997 CE) in the noble and God-fearing household of the late Sorgul in Baba Qala, a village in the Band-e Chak District of Maidan Wardak Province, Afghanistan. From his earliest days, he was nurtured in an environment of faith and sincerity, which sowed the seeds of future greatness in his heart.
2. Religious Education
His foundational education began in the village mosque under the supervision of the local imam. He later moved to the area of Kabul’s Fifth District to pursue the memorization of the Holy Qur’an at the renowned Ubayy Ibn Ka’ab Religious Seminary. There, he completed his Hifz and received his Dastarbandi (graduation turban for Qur’anic memorization). He subsequently continued his studies in Islamic sciences, reaching the level of Sughra Dars—the elementary stage of the traditional religious curriculum.
3. Struggles and Jihad
Alongside his religious studies, Hafiz Mansoor (RAH) joined the ranks of the Mujahideen in the Shenayz Valley of Saydabad District, a bastion of resistance and martyrdom. He enlisted under the leadership of Al-Hajj Mawlawi Muhammad Nabi Khalid (may Allah protect him) and fought alongside the martyr Amir Gul Qureshi (RAH), a commander known for his valor and high standing on the enemy’s most-wanted list.
Throughout his jihad, Hafiz Mansoor consistently sought to enhance his military capabilities. In addition to theoretical training, he emphasized physical preparedness—engaging in rigorous exercises to ensure that he and his fellow Mujahideen remained sharp, vigilant, and battle-ready. His contributions in every operation were marked by courage, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility. I myself am a witness to his steadfastness, tactical insight, and repeated acts of sacrifice on the frontlines.
In addition to his battlefield engagements in Wardak, Hafiz Mansoor also played a key role in Kabul alongside Hajji Hamdullah Haidar (may Allah protect him), supporting guerrilla units and overseeing the supply and transportation of military resources to urban Mujahideen.
Moreover, he undertook repeated missions to Nangarhar Province to fight the deviant Daeshi Khawarij—a foreign-backed group that emerged under the guise of jihad but was created to undermine Islamic movements. He fought courageously on these frontlines as part of the Mujahideen’s determined efforts to eliminate this treacherous threat.
Senior commanders often requested his deployment for specialized operations due to his bravery, integrity, and unwavering resolve. Despite the difficulty and danger involved, he always responded with enthusiasm, strong will, and deep conviction.
His moral character matched his battlefield prowess. Hafiz Mansoor was known for humility, compassion, and deep bonds with fellow Mujahideen and local civilians alike. He served others with sincerity, treating them as lifelong companions. His presence in Patankhel village of the Shenayz Valley, where he resided with Ustad Dur Muhammad and Ustad Muhammad Jawed, was cherished. During Ramadan, he would lead Taraweeh prayers and complete Qur’anic recitations in the local mosque. His ethics—marked by integrity, selflessness, and unwavering dedication—were as vast as the impact of his deeds.
The singular aim behind all his sacrifices, efforts, and lifelong struggle was to establish the divine law of Allah on earth and to help build a pure and just Islamic system.
4. Martyrdom
Martyr Hafiz Mansoor was actively involved in numerous operations throughout Saydabad District. His commitment also took him repeatedly to the rugged terrain of Nangarhar to participate in the struggle against the deviant Daeshi Khawarij—a foreign-backed group created to weaken Islamic movements and global jihadi efforts.
As Daesh forces collapsed under continuous and effective operations by the Mujahideen, the occupying coalition resorted to direct military support for them—including airstrikes and night raids targeting the Mujahideen frontlines.
During one such raid on 24 Aqrab 1397 Hijri Solar (November 15, 2018) in Wazir Tangi, Khogyani District, Hafiz Mansoor was martyred alongside several comrades in an airstrike while heroically repelling an enemy assault in defense of Islam.
5. Remembering His Character: Personal Memories
Recollection by Engineer Safiullah:
“During Ramadan, after completing the Taraweeh Qur’an recitation, he would organize a celebratory gathering for scholars, Mujahideen, and village elders. Locals would gift him clothes, which he would then personally distribute to the families of martyrs and the needy. He would say, ‘Engineer Sahib, please start the car and bring the clothes from the guesthouse,’ and we would deliver them together.”
His Brother’s Account of His Burial:
As mentioned earlier, his family lived in Kabul. Shahid Hafiz Mansoor had made a will to be buried in the graveyard of Patankhel village in Saydabad, beside his martyred comrade Farid Ahmad (a.k.a. Kochi). However, due to the insistence of his mother and brothers, he was ultimately buried in Kabul.
His brother recounts:
“There was a high-ranking security official living in our neighborhood. I approached him for assistance to ensure that the funeral proceedings wouldn’t be disrupted. It was the peak of summer and extremely hot, and the martyr’s body had not yet arrived from Nangarhar. The officer replied, ‘Try to bury him quickly without a full funeral. The body may have decomposed due to the heat.’
I responded, ‘If he is truly a martyr, his body will be preserved. If not, then it will be as you say.’
He scoffed and said, ‘These are just myths of the mullahs. Everyone’s body decays, especially in 45°C heat like Nangarhar’s.’
When the body arrived, I called him. Upon seeing Hafiz Mansoor’s radiant and preserved body, he burst into tears and sobbed uncontrollably—silently acknowledging the honor and reality of martyrdom.”
May Allah accept his martyrdom and elevate his ranks in Paradise. Ameen.
