Martyr Sa’id Hikmatullah Muzammil, the son of Haji Khalil ur-Rahman and the grandson of Mullah Ghulam Hazrat, was born on the 22nd of Dalwa 1379 (Solar Hijri) in the village of Mado, Khawat Valley, Band-e-Chak District, Wardak Province. At the age of seven, he began his early religious education under the guidance of the local imam and later enrolled in the village madrasa.
He subsequently continued his religious studies at the Adam Khel seminary and later joined the Shuhada Darul-Uloom in Dasht-e-Top. There, he completed his education up to the 10th grade and pursued religious studies through the fifth level. After the Islamic Emirate’s victory, he enrolled in the Faculty of Law at Mashal University in Kabul. However, during the third semester, he left to pursue his ultimate aspiration: martyrdom in the path of Allah.
Martyr Muzammil, may Allah accept him, was among those devout and selfless young men whose hearts pulsed with the spirit of faith. He was a dedicated mujahid, ever prepared to respond to the call of jihad. For him, this call was not merely a command; it was a divine invitation to sacrifice and honor.
While studying in Dasht-e-Top, the love of jihad took firm root in his heart. In secret, he began visiting the mujahideen in Sheikh Abad, fulfilling what he saw as his religious duty against the occupiers. Eventually, he migrated to the Shinez Valley of Sayedabad District and joined the group led by the martyred commander Haji Muhibullah Waqas, actively participating in ambushes, mine-laying missions, and assaults.
When operations were planned for the night, the mujahideen would often debate whose turn it was. One would say, “It is my turn,” while another would insist, “I have not gone yet.” But Muzammil was always ready and present. At times, his fellow comrades would tell him, “Muzammil Jan, you went yesterday. Let us go today.” In response, he would lower his gaze, tears brimming in his eyes, and humbly say, “Why does Allah not grant me the opportunity to serve again?”
This was the heartfelt plea of a humble and sincere servant of Allah. He was ever ready to offer his life in the pursuit of martyrdom, jihad, and divine pleasure. He never considered himself superior to his fellow fighters. Rather, he would say, “I am your brother. Serving you is an honor. If today is your turn, still my heart longs to join. If death or injury is destined, let it be mine. And if there is victory, may it be ours together.”
A close companion, Nekmal, recounts:
“One night, a night of resolve, sacrifice, and devotion, I accompanied my dear brother, Martyr Muzammil, may Allah accept him, on a high-risk operation. The battle was fierce. Gunfire lit up the night, while the cries of Takbir and the roar of explosions echoed all around. Yet our hearts were lit with faith, and we advanced with hope for martyrdom.
I had recently become engaged. My heart was full not with fear, but with love: love for my family, my faith, and my homeland. The night before the operation, we sat together in silence. Muzammil took my hand, his eyes shining with resolve, and said calmly but firmly, ‘Nekmal, you go. If you are martyred, two hearts will break.’ I laughed and asked, ‘Brother, what are you saying?’ But he remained firm, resolute as a mountain. He was sincere, brave, and unwavering. I tried to change his mind, but he did not yield.”
He was a courageous mujahid whose love for Allah defined his every action. His life was devoted to the service of Islam and the cause of truth. On the battlefield, he was a lion. Among scholars, friends, and fellow fighters, he was known for his humility, sincerity, and respect.
Another mujahid companion shares the following account:
“One day, supply convoys of the puppet army were traveling from Ghazni and Kabul. Under the leadership of Martyr Muhammad Jamil Asad, may Allah accept him, we set up an ambush. Martyr Hikmatullah Muzammil and another brother took position at the most dangerous point, risking complete encirclement. As the ambush began, fierce fighting broke out. The enemy commandos advanced toward the positions of Martyrs Jamil and Muzammil. In that narrow corridor, Muzammil used his automatic rifle to distract the tank gunner, allowing Jamil Asad to fire a rocket and halt the tank’s progress. Muzammil was wounded by the blast, sustaining injuries to his face, chest, and legs. But he recovered and soon returned to the battlefield.”
Historic Encounter with the Ruthless 01 Unit
This pivotal battle unfolded in the Milli Khel area, where the notorious 01 Unit suffered a historic and exemplary defeat. Justice was served for the oppressed, and the brutal fighters of the 01 Unit were made to answer for their crimes. Numerous commanders participated in this blessed operation, many of whom later attained the ultimate honor of martyrdom. Among the most prominent were Martyr Muhammad Jamil Asad and Martyr Ubaidullah Mubarez. May Allah accept them both. Out of respect for the surviving leaders, their names are not disclosed.
Martyr Hikmatullah Muzammil, may Allah accept him, also took part in this confrontation alongside Martyr Muhammad Jamil Asad. The battle raged well into the evening, culminating in the complete annihilation of the 01 Unit fighters, who were sent to their final reckoning.
Armed with a rocket launcher, Martyr Muzammil played a critical role. As the mujahideen launched a fierce offensive, the enemy’s resistance crumbled. Advancing to the main roadside, the mujahideen engaged in direct hand-to-hand combat, obliterating enemy vehicles and eliminating the remaining combatants.
At the height of the battle, armored reinforcements arrived in support of the 01 Unit. This prompted the mujahideen to withdraw tactically to their initial ambush lines. The fighting intensified. During this stage, Martyr Muzammil and two of his fellow fighters sustained injuries from a rocket strike.
Despite his wounds, Martyr Muzammil demonstrated extraordinary courage. He withdrew from the front, handed over his launcher, which had only one round left, and made his way toward the evacuation vehicle for the wounded.
As they proceeded, their vehicle was targeted by a drone strike in the village of Mir Khan Khel. By the mercy of Allah, the strike missed its mark, and all aboard, including the injured, emerged unharmed.
A Snowy Winter Memory
One frigid winter night, as snow blanketed the mountains, forests, and plains, we took shelter in a house in the Milli Khel area. The plan was to rest before returning to base the next morning. Around 5 a.m., urgent voices crackled through our radios. The enemy had descended into mujahideen-controlled areas and launched clearance operations.
We immediately rose and began moving toward the mountains. After a long and grueling trek, we reached a barren plain. As armored vehicles approached, the vehicle of Martyr Ubaidullah Mubarez, may Allah accept him, appeared and evacuated us to the village of Hasan Khel. From there, we continued through deep snow to the village of Ab Dara, where we remained for the day. Dozens of mujahideen converged in the area, even as reconnaissance drones circled above.
As night fell, the threat of a raid loomed. The mujahideen and local youth dispersed into hiding spots. I, along with Martyr Muzammil and several others, took refuge in one of the hideouts. Around 11:30 p.m., we decided to leave. Since we were the last to enter, we were also among the last to exit. We made our way forward, and by the time we reached the entrance, most of the others had already gone.
Suddenly, Martyr Muzammil called out, “Stop, I hear aircraft.” Moments later, he shouted again, “Return. The fighting and bombardment have begun.” Shocked, we retreated deeper into the hideout. We had barely reached our previous spot when a massive explosion rocked the ground. The blast slammed our heads against the ceiling. Dust and debris filled the air, and the acrid stench of gunpowder choked our lungs. We covered our faces and prayed for the safety of our comrades who had just left.
A heavy silence settled, pierced only by muffled sobs and the lingering scent of explosives. Morning eventually arrived. As we attempted to pray, village elders cleared the blocked entrance. One of them called out, “Is anyone alive in there?”
“We are alive,” we replied.
Upon emerging, we discovered that an American F-16 had dropped a massive bomb directly on the hideout. The entrance had been sealed almost entirely. Yet, by Allah’s grace and the foresight of Martyr Muzammil, many of us survived.
Deployment to Nangarhar Province
In 1398 (2019), fierce battles erupted in Nangarhar Province against the ISIS Khawarij. Hundreds of mujahideen from our region were deployed to confront them. Martyr Muzammil, may Allah accept him, was sent to Nangarhar under orders from his superiors to assist in eliminating the threat. Upon arrival, the Islamic Emirate’s mujahideen had already begun decisive operations.
He was deployed to the Wadisar area, where he joined the frontline under the leadership of Qiyam Sahib. A clearing operation was launched, resulting in the successful liberation of Wadisar. The mujahideen seized large quantities of military equipment, pressure mines, and ammunition. They spent the night in the area and returned to base the next morning.
After a day of rest, they resumed fighting, targeting ISIS’s most fortified position, the Baghdadi Bunker. The mujahideen had already gained control of the surrounding terrain and began constructing defensive positions. The battle for the Baghdadi Bunker lasted three to four days. Known as ISIS’s strongest fortress in Nangarhar, it was believed to be impenetrable..
Yet, after days of intense combat, the position fell. The mujahideen then advanced toward Waziro Tangai, with ISIS fighters retreating and the mujahideen in pursuit. Victory followed victory until the mujahideen finally reached Tora Bora. During this campaign, three mujahideen from Muzammil’s home province of Wardak were martyred in an American drone strike. After 35 days of deployment, the unit returned to Wardak.
The Bride Widowed in Her Father’s Home
Celebrations erupted in the village. Children sang in delight, and Muzammil’s engagement was celebrated with enthusiasm. Family members and comrades rejoiced for days. Yet, shortly after the engagement, he returned to the frontlines. What began as a time of hope soon turned to sorrow.
His family was immersed in wedding preparations. His mother prayed for his safety, his sisters dreamed of bridal dresses, and his fiancée looked to the future with joy. But Muzammil departed once more for the battlefield, choosing the path where the thirst of the Ummah’s men is quenched.
Family and friends pleaded with him.
“Stay just a little longer, Muzammil. The wedding is near. The clothes are ready. A joyful home awaits you.”
He would only smile and say softly,
“My promise is with Allah. This life is not for comfort, but for sacrifice.”
Each day, his bride’s heart waited. But instead of wedding songs, the news of martyrdom arrived. No tea was brewed. No feast prepared. There were no songs or congratulations, only grief. The home fell into mourning.
The red wedding dress now lies folded and untouched. The engagement photos, once cherished, now draw only tears. His mother, who once offered prayers of protection, now sits in silence, her heart asking,
“My son, why could you not wait? Why did you leave before your wedding night?”
The Legacy of Martyr Muzammil
Martyr Hikmatullah Muzammil, may Allah accept him, was the embodiment of noble character, unwavering determination, patience, and steadfastness. He constantly yearned for martyrdom. Following several victories, he joined a special operations intelligence unit.
He never wasted his time. He was either engaged in worship, study, or training. He loved volleyball and was always prepared for any operation with unmatched enthusiasm. During travels, he would reminisce about fallen companions and express his longing for martyrdom.
We spent three nights with him at a guesthouse in Laghman. His conversation was always centered on the Hereafter, the martyrs, and the hope of meeting Allah.
On the 12th of Sha’ban 1447, a Tuesday, an operation targeted an ISIS hideout. Muzammil was chosen for the assault team. Without hesitation, he prepared for what would be his final mission.
Standing atop a rock, Martyr Muzammil faced them directly. He was struck by enemy fire and embraced martyrdom, surrendering his soul to his Lord.
