Aitzaz Hasan, -the boy who lived!
“My son made his mother cry, but saved hundreds of mothers from crying for their children”- Mujahid Ali, father of Aitzaz Hassan.
Yesterday, I was watching a bomb prank video, featuring an Arab man throwing bombs at people. Its was kinda funny . People were running for their lives. Which is quite right, I mean most people would do the same under the given circumstances unless they are people with their shades on, and a big camera and a stunt double and a safety team and a director!
I ask you a very simple question, What would you do, if you see a suicide bomber at a public place, lets say a school. You might think that confronting him ‘d be heroic but trust me at that kind of point, things appear a bit upside down. I know there are many brave people that ‘d confront him maybe. But what do you expect from a 17 years old boy!
Aitzaz Hassan, a teenager from Hungu- north west Pakistan was standing just outside the gate of government high school, Ibrahimzai. The date recorded 6th January 2014. He was not allowed to participate in the school’s assembly, reason being his Tardiness.
He then saw a man allegedly approaching the school, who stated that he was there to ‘get admission’. One of his friends, noticed a detonator, the man was wearing alongside the explosive laden jacket.
The two boys ran inside the school and pleaded Aitzaz to do the same But he decided to confront him. He ran towards the man and by grabbing him, prompted the explosion. Aitzaz died!
“Aye puttar hattan te nai wikde” a punjabi phrase meaning that “these sons are not for sale.”
There we 2000 students in that school, gathered in the hall for assembly. No students were harmed. Less said, the better.
A boy gave his life and lived immortally in millions and millions to come!
That was so brave of him ! Thank u for sharing this heart warming story !
LikeLiked by 7 people
Thanks for reading this 🙂
LikeLiked by 5 people
The pleasure was all mine 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Likewise.
LikeLiked by 3 people
What a fantastic story!
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yes it is! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A heroic action indeed. In those type of circumstances the American have a very good saying to sum it all up, it´s “fight or flight” response that an individual will have. In my experience the average individuals tend for the latter the flight response (as in getting the hell out of there) but there is a small percentage of the population that will have a fight response, and that comes naturally to the individual, nothing can teach you that. You just react, and my guess is that kid didn´t think he would die, that he could overpower the crazy nut. Just pure instinct. Either you react or not.
LikeLiked by 6 people
Thanks for stopping by 🙂 it completely makes sense what you are saying but in pakistan everybody is very well aware of these suicide bomb attacks. i think he knew the outcome as he used to say to his cousin bangish “i’m always ready for my country”.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Was my pleasure, hoping to read more of your blog when time permits.
And if that is the case, then much more of a heroic thing this kid did.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks much! I’m honoured 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
Courage and bravery. In similar circumstances, could we take action like, Aitzaz? Only in that moment is when will know, and there will likely be little if any time to think about it. Knowing there is imminent danger and that we may hold the key to changing the possible tragic outcome, is only the half of it. There’s no time to consider the what if’s, only the thought that someone must do something, and that someone is you. Aitzaz, never hesitated and saved everyone at the expense of the only real thing of value he truly owned…himself. I doubt he lacked fear in that moment—many a courageous individual has known such fear—but, Aitziz, did act when no one else would, or perhaps could. His memories, gone, yet his memory lives on. It lives on in every person who survived that day, in their minds and hearts, each still beating because of his couragous action. His life lived, ever so brief, should live long beyond that of the year’s he might have had, had he lived beyond that moment. And the students along with others grieved, and will continue to grieve for year’s to come, for what was, and what might have been.
LikeLiked by 6 people
Great words! Thanks for this^ i appreciate 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure, Fawad. And thank you for following my blog too. ;o)
LikeLiked by 2 people
The pleasure is all mine 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
:O)
LikeLiked by 1 person
“His memories, gone, yet his memory lives on.” This is a beautiful sentiment Paul. This story was so touching. To think that a 15 year old would have the wherewithal to do what he did is beyond remarkable. It was such a tragedy to lose this one life but because of his ultimate sacrifice he saved so many. Yes indeed his memory lives on.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I thought too, about how he must have felt being outside because he was late to school. As it turns out that was the least of his worries. The right place at the right time…and the wrong time, and all at once.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I know it’s just heartbreaking but to think that if he didn’t do what he did how many casualties there could have been gives me goosebumps.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It would have been a whole lot worse.
LikeLiked by 3 people
The true example of guts …. Decision when you see lifes of hundreds of people…hats of to that boy…
LikeLiked by 4 people
True that!
LikeLiked by 2 people
How brave he was. A true hero.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yeah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow, what a heartbreaking, amazing story!! “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” Though I’d like to think I’d show such courage I dare say I sincerely doubt that I could do what Aitzaz did. He is a true hero. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey thankyou! I’m so happy that i was able to share this story :). It takes a heart to feel it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so glad you did. While it’s a sad story because a young life was taken from us it is a story of heroism.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Indeed yes!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks for following my blog. I hope you’ll find something interesting in my writings. I am following your blog to read more of your blog posts.
Happy Blogging.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey thanks! N the pleasure’s all mine 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
A heroic kid , May Allah bless his soul .
LikeLiked by 4 people
Yes, InshaAllah 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is a wonderful tribute to an individual who unselfishly gave his own life so other children might have a chance to live theirs. Thank you for following me and for sharing this story which touched me deeply. E
LikeLiked by 4 people
Thankyou! Indeed its a moving story. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow. Is this a true story? That’s amazing.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes it is a true story! N thanks for ur time 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
How heart wrenching for you and your friends to have experienced this! It saddens me how distorted our world is today in that some think others lives are less important than theirs and then add to it the caveat that religion tells them it is so. The young man at 17 is braver than most will be in their lifetimes. Such a self-less act he did to save you all. Thank you Fawad for sharing this story. 🙂
LikeLiked by 4 people
I feel priviliged to share his story. Glad u read this n thanks for ur words 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m just narrating it. I do not feature. But its a nation’s grief n we all are proud of him 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have often wondered what people who jump on a grenade are thinking. I imagine they are just reacting instinctively to protect those they love (their comrades). They do not think – they react on emotion.
But Aitzaz was thinking. He made conscious choices. And his friend was supporting a different and rational plan – run. But Aitzaz didn’t think in just the moment. He was able to see the picture of a future where the bomb goes off in a school. He was able to stop beyond the strong need for self preservation to preserve something bigger than him. That is truly a brave step beyond heroic.
LikeLiked by 4 people
You are very right! Thanks for reading this. I’m happy that i’m able to make u n others feel the same as me.
LikeLiked by 1 person
An excellent important piece. Thank you so much for sharing this.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Honoured!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah…I have read about him b4..
The boy was a Hero no doubt…
May his soul rest in peace…..
I pray dear lord…spare the kids from the threat of terrorism going around…..
LikeLiked by 3 people
Its sadden me what we have given to this “war against terrorism” n what it still demands. Kids just shouldn’t be involved. Thanks for ur comment.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Unsung Heroes: People Shining a Light in a Sometimes Dark World.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
pleasure
All the best
PS
Don’t worry about the world ending today.
It’s already tomorrow in scenic and tranquil ‘little’ New Zealand
LikeLiked by 2 people
Haha right 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for sharing the story. Fawad and shining some light in a sometimes very dark world.
May post on http://www.journalistandwriter.wotdpress.com
and
http://www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
all the best
craig
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks craig 🙂
LikeLike
Some would think twice either to get involved, especially when their lives are on the line. But for a boy to have such courage is indeed admirable. May his soul rest in peace.
And thank you for following my blog. I appreciate it.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes this is admirable. Thanks for ur stay here. My pleaeure 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you, Fawad, for sharing this both sad and uplifting story from Aitzaz’s life, such a compassionate, heroic young man. And it shows how heroes come in any age – old AND young. Wherever there is a need, a hero will show himself or herself.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Hey thanks! Glad u liked it n yes heroes are everywhere even there is one in ourselves. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes, I agree with you, Fawad. I think we all have our moment or moments in life, where we get to show our heroic side. Often it comes in smaller ways than, for example, with Aitzaz. We may do a small kindness for someone whose life is impacted for the better because of it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes i agree, heroism is not about one act u do. Its a complete way of living! Everyone should try to become a hero to themselves 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aitzaz will forever live in our hearts ❤
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes he will 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aitzaz saw the great danger standing before him and he knew that many young people (his classmates, his friends, his teachers) were going to die if this man got into the school. He didn’t run away; he stopped the man from going any farther. Aitzaz made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his own life to save others. No greater love is there than this. Thank you for telling his story. It is an honor to read about Aitzaz and his heroic act.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks for ur words! Yes he is an hero and prerogative i am to share it with with you. Pleasure
LikeLike
hey this is tragic and inspirational. would you be adverse to me writing an article about this? I write for GodReports.com. In one of your posts you mentioned correctly that the media tends to report only the bad. You are right. I see that this story got quite a bit of coverage already. I would like to give it a bit more (if my editor likes the idea). God bless.
LikeLiked by 3 people
It ‘d be an honour! Sure 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
ok, i’ll let you know what he says. presumably yes.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah i’ll be waiting 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Fawad, Ok, so the article is authorized and I can proceed. First of all let me thank you for pariticipating. Here are a few questions to start. And before you write answers, could you send them to my email instead? I find corresponding in wordpress messaging to be a bit cumbersome. My email is theashcraftsgt@yahoo.com Ok here are the questions: 1) I’m awestruck by the bravery of your friend. Did you warn him to not get involved? 2) Was it you that saw the detonator? 3) What did you feel as your friend tackled the suicide bomber? 4) What do you feel about him now? 5) If you were faced with a similar situation today, would you tackle the suicide bomber yourself? 6) What does Aitzaz Hasan represent about the best of humanity? 7) Was Aitzan muslim? Shia? What are you? 8) Why do the suicide bombers kill innocent people? Why do Muslims kill Muslims? 9) I read somewhere that the violent extremism is repudiated in your town. Is that so? 10) What does “these sons are not for sale” mean? 11) How old are you? What grade are you in now? What are your dreams for the future? For your future?
Thanks so much. Please feel free to give long answers. I can’t promise I’ll include everything you say, but the more you say, the more material can be used. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your blog. It is truly inspirational. I think what you say in one of your posts is absolutely right, that we here in the West need to better understand Pakistan, and not just stereotype. Thanks for helping me to do this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hey! Thanks 🙂 but as i’ve told earlier too that i’m just narrating it. I do not feature ): . I can still provide u with the answers if you want?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I nominated you for an award https://wwwpalfitness.wordpress.com/2016/01/10/blogger-recognition-award-number-4/
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thankyou 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’re welcome:)
LikeLike
He needs to be saluted.
LikeLiked by 3 people
Yes. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
MY pleasure totally
LikeLiked by 1 person
Salute to the bravery of the boy and the sacrifice he made.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Such a rare gem!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yes.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Ancien Hippie.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This post touched me deeply …..had to pause before reply …..a sad …sad story in a world that desperately needs healing …..Aitzaz has played a part in that ….as indeed your writings may be doing young man …..’little drops an ocean can make’ as they say:)
Being a mother of 2 sons I believe …..hope ….that the next generation will pull together not apart ….respect each other ….whatever part of this beautiful planet they inhabit and faith they follow.
It is my generation that are currently ‘in power’ …..it is up to our leaders to examine history and TRULY work towards peace …..for ALL as ‘global citizens’ and restoration of the health of the planet at large.
I am disheartened to say it doesn’t look too likely just yet …..but I see glimmers of hope amongst the darkness …for one …you young people have access to technology and global communication …it has the potential to break down barriers …form connections ….learn and grow ….use it wisely:)
As a Mother ……my heart goes out to the parents of Aitzaz …may his and their souls be at peace:)
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thankyou! Ur thoughts are highly appreciated 🙂 means alot to me. This is indeed a sad stort but highly motivating too. I beleive that even the most little of things can do wonders if done with conviction. Being optimistic n doing nothing is never gonna help. Thanks for ur stay 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve got a very wise head on young shoulders Fawad ……your so right there 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey thanks 🙂 🙂 i dispute this haha btw thanks again 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Fawad for sharing your experience… We need to hear more about the good and heroic acts people do! Peace to you!
Tamara
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey tamara! Thankyou 🙂 much appreciated.
LikeLike
PS: I came to your site to thank you for following me, and I was so moved by your story I forgot all about it! Thank you so much!
Peace
Tamara
LikeLiked by 1 person
My pleasure always 🙂
LikeLike
I saw a video like this on Facebook last night and at first I was thinking it was kind of funny as I just saw people running around but then it struck me what the supposed joke was; freaking people out by pretending to throw a bag with a bomb in it, near them. There’s no joke about this… and especially not in light of recent bombings in Boston and Paris, and your story above = It is in very poor taste to make such a video and there’s absolutely nothing funny about it. Videos like that are how the masses become desensitized to serious topics. Then when the real thing happens, they do nothing. I ask people to carefully consider before sharing such a video. I blocked it from my timeline.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes you’re right. This shows our level of insensibilty! Thanks for ur stay 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hello very cool website!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .
. I’ll bookmark your site and take the feeds additionally? I am glad to search out a lot of helpful info right here within the submit, we’d like develop extra strategies in this regard, thanks for sharing. . . . . .
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thankyou 🙂 glad u liked it.
LikeLike
How very tragic and what a hero. Thank you for sharing this story.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes indeed n u r welcome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I got goosies reading this! Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel priviliged! Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
This is an amazing story. Thanks for sharing. A similar situation occurred in Kenya last month where Muslims covered non-Muslims in attack by militants. They refused to be separated when asked and said if you are going to kill them you have to kill us too. One was shot and he succumbed to his injuries this week.
It is just amazing the inner strength people have when it comes to tough situations.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hey thankyou! I’ve heard this story n its moving. Its just saddening that these stories get a very limited spotlight compared to the contrary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know. I always complain that news channels only show the bad and not celebrate the good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I enjoy your blog and your thoughts I am giving you for the Lovely Blog Award you do not have to respond but it’s more so that my newbies have some new blogs to check out. If you want to respond check out my site. https://myastheniagravisladycas.wordpress.com/2016/01/31/the-long-awaited-lovely-blog-award/
LikeLike
He sacrificed his today for our tomorrow. Let us give him promise not to give up unless and until we put the fight on it. He left us for good and we have to prove it. Let his spirit never die in our hearts. We love you Aittzaz Hassan shaheed. Our hero. Thank you!
http://www.alabarakah.wordpress.com.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Aittzaz is a leading light among the extinguished. He is a Hero among the villains. His bravery won’t go in vain. We need people like him to save the humanity.
LikeLiked by 1 person