I never knew Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha or Razan Abu-Salha personally, but news of their deaths is one that I can’t stop thinking about. They were 23, 21 and 19, respectively, when they were shot by their neighbor, Craig Hicks, on February 10th, 2015. Though evident that it was a hate crime, officials have not declared it as such yet. The media claimed that it was a dispute over a parking spot. Even if we ignore the fact that they parked in the correct spots that night, is that reason enough to justify murdering someone?
Being so young, these three people were so active in their communities. Deah was in dental school, soon to be joined by his wife, Yusor, at University of North Carolina while Razan was studying architecture at North Carolina State University. They were seen participating in Muslim and non-Muslim charities such as MSA events, fundraising through United Muslim Relief or helping out the homeless or marginalized population within their communities. Deah started a $20,000 campaign called "Project Refugee Smiles" to raise money to help provide dental care to Syrian refugees and was close to his goal before he was brutally killed.
Deah, Yusor and Razan are described as giving, generous, helpful, kind and welcoming people. Their families have chosen to respond to extreme hate with love and patience. In honor of the lives these three generous people lived and the values they embodied, people have come together to engage in charitable works, such as fulfilling Deah’s dream and raising around $500,000 for his campaign. Because of the outpour of support towards his campaign after news of their deaths, the parents have decided to make it an annual mission that would aid related charities, as well.
As I look at the images and videos and read the words their loved ones and friends have written about them, I am overcome with sadness. Their beautiful, radiant smiles and wonderful personalities are incredibly touching and inspiring, as is their parents’ strength and patience. At the funeral in Raleigh, to which around 5,000 people showed up (mostly non-Muslim), Yusor’s father said: “We are not seeking any revenge. Our children are much more valuable than any revenge. When we say that this was a hate crime, it’s all about protecting all other children in the U.S.A.—it is all about making this country that they loved and where they lived and died peaceful for everybody else. We need to identify things as they really are.”
As sad as their deaths are, at least we know that they are in a better place. In heaven, their smiles will shine forever, they will never face fear or violence and they will live in everlasting peace. People with souls like theirs deserve eternal paradise. As much as they loved America and dedicated their lives to giving back and spreading happiness, they deserve a far-better home—Heaven.
It is shocking that the headscarf Yusor and Razan wore on their heads triggered so much hate from their murderer. How did their identity as Muslims harm Craig Hicks? How did their identity as Muslims harm or hurt anyone? Their identity as Muslims only inspired them to help others and make a positive change in the world.
Their deaths is a true loss for America, but it has positively moved people towards good works. The story of their lives has shed a positive light on American Muslims, showing them to be peaceful, loving and charitable rather than violent terrorists—an image that the media perpetuates. Their lives serve as examples of what true Muslims aspire to be and their deaths have pushed so many people to come together and continue these three winners’ good deeds.
Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi rajeeon. (To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return). May Allah bless these three with the highest ranks in paradise and make lives easier for their parents and all the loved ones they have left behind. May we all follow in their footsteps and be worthy enough to meet them one day. Ameen.
Visit ourthreewinners.org to view their legacy and ways that we can feed, sustain and spread their legacy.
