From the Biographies of the Distinguished Martyrs: (30) Aqil al-Masri
An Egyptian jihadist and architect of JTJ's media wing
The thirtieth “distinguished martyr” is an Egyptian jihadist named Aqil, whom we learn was a key figure in JTJ’s history. Raised in Egypt, Aqil was influenced by the jihadist ideologue Umar Abdul-Rahman, or the “Blind Shaykh,” whose lectures inspired him to join the jihadist movement. Abu Ismail al-Muhajir notes that Aqil was amongst the very earliest foreign fighters to enter Iraq after the Baathist government’s collapse. A month after the fall of Baghdad, he made his way from Egypt to Iraq, particularly Mosul, where he joined a jihadist band led by an Abu Talha al-Mosuli (also called Asad). Aqil spent time in Tal Afar, which appears to have been formative for him. The reference to a jihadist group in Ninawa province, seemingly independent of Zarqawi’s network, calls to mind Abu Hurayra al-Hijazi’s biography, which reports that Hijazi initially joined an unnamed jihadist group operating in “northern Iraq.” It is unlikely if this group was the same one to which Aqil belonged. If it was, Muhajir would likely report this. It is more plausible that there was already a constellation of jihadist groups, however small, operating throughout northern Iraq at this early stage.
Aqil fought for a year around Mosul before moving to Fallujah after the First Battle of that city. It seems that it was during this time that he became acquainted with and then joined JTJ, which in this period was rapidly building and merging with local Iraqi jihadists. Crucially, Muhajir reports that Aqil built JTJ’s media wing, producing their first release titled “Winds of Victory” and other famous videos such as “The Raid of the Imprisoned Shaykh,” a tribute to Umar Abdul-Rahman. During his time as JTJ’s media head, Aqil became incredibly close with Zarqawi and holding a key leadership position in the organization. This would mean that JTJ’s notorious series of beheading videos in 2004 were ultimately authorized by Aqil. His tenure as JTJ’s media chief would end in the Second Battle of Fallujah, where he would die with another key media asset named Abdulilah. They fell in Fallujah like hundreds of other foreign fighters, many of whom have been identified in this series. The rest of the biography discusses Aqil’s combat heroics and his character.
The Dutiful Son
There is nothing harder for a person than for God to test him with the loss of his child, and even harder than that is to be asked to speak about him and do him justice. This is my state with the beloved martyr Aqil.
When a father speaks of his son, he says: "He was good, well-mannered, and kind," and other such words. But if you ask him to elaborate on these words, he falls silent and says: "Indeed, to God we belong, and to Him we shall return." Yet, I will seek God’s help and try to speak.
Aqil: well-mannered, tender-hearted. In a word, that was Hani (or Aqil), from the land of Egypt, the beloved captive nation, from the wonders of Egypt’s beauty, from Al-Fayoum, where water, greenery, the Nile, and orchards abound.
The martyr was raised in the school of the imprisoned Shaykh Umar Abdul-Rahman and grew up under the oppression of the Egyptian tyrant Mubarak. Since he knew no path but the mosque and no companion but the Quran, God guided him early to the mindset of jihad and martyrdom. Despite his parents' deep care for him, especially due to his remarkable brilliance–he easily qualified for admission to the Computer Science position of the Faculty of Engineeringe–Aqil’s mind was with jihad. He frequented internet cafés, sending his personal details to every friend he met online, asking them to find him a way to Iraq–just one month after the fall of Baghdad.
At that time, there was no news of jihad or martyrdom to say that youthful enthusiasm drove him. No. It was faith, creed, and the desire for martyrdom that motivated him. Eventually, he contacted a man from the people of jihad, who told him: "Brother, stop sending your details online–this will only land you in the nearest prison. May God grant you relief." And indeed, God answered his prayers. After a long journey filled with adventures, the beloved finally entered Mosul–just two months after the fall. He was among the earliest muhajirin, if not the third earliest to arrive in the Land of the Two Rivers, and one of the first to carry arms among the muhajirin and ansar.
The martyr (may God have mercy on him) joined the group of Asad (Abu Talha al-Mosuli) and became skilled in explosives early on, with God granting him great success. His love for Mosul and its people–especially Tal Afar–remained in his heart until God blessed him with martyrdom. He would often say: "The mujahidin of Tal Afar are true supporters [ansar]."
After the events of the First Battle of Fallujah, the martyr moved to Fallujah and worked with a group of his brothers to establish the media division for Jama'at al-Tawhid wal-Jihad at the time. He contributed greatly to their first release, “Winds of Victory.” He then became extremely close to the Shaykh of Monotheism, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi (may God have mercy on him), to the point where he was like a son to him. The Shaykh loved him immensely, treated him as his own child, and cared for his affairs–big and small.
Once, the Shaykh told me: "I want to marry Aqil off, but I fear he may die without a child. I ask God not to deprive me of him." And indeed, a girl was chosen for him–one we deemed righteous. However, his marriage was delayed due to work circumstances and the young age of the bride, until it was finally fulfilled.
The beloved martyr remained in Fallujah until the Second Battle of Fallujah, when calamity struck him and his companions severely. They took refuge in a house, only for snipers to climb onto its roof. The enemies of God turned it into their base–having learned of their presence through a brother among them who spoke English and translated their conversations. They endured extreme hardship, reaching the point of severe thirst, and prayed intensely–until God diverted the enemies from them. They moved to another house, searching for water in one home and another, until God provided for them after great difficulty.
The ordeal of the Second Fallujah continued until he and his companion in the media division–Abdulilah (to whom I will return, God willing)–left for martyrdom. They moved to Al-Qaim, where they began rebuilding the media division, convinced of its importance and knowing no one else could replace them.
Aqil disliked this work and constantly pleaded for a martyrdom operation–even after his marriage contract was signed. In the first week of his marriage, I asked him: "What do you think about going on a martyrdom operation?" He replied: "By God, this is my wish." I said: "Now?" He said: "Now."
He excelled in the media division, producing important works like “The Raid of the Imprisoned Shaykh”–a project he was entrusted with. May God place all his deeds in his scale of good deeds.
One of the martyr’s most defining traits was his care for his brothers, his love for them, and his tenderness toward them. At first glance, one might think he was putting on an act–but those who knew him realized he was like a mother soothing her child. If a brother fell ill, he would serve him all night. If someone was sad–whether because of Aqil (and I never saw him wrong anyone) or for any other reason–he would rush to calm hearts, reconcile differences, and make each side forgive the other. Sometimes he even cried if he saw discord between two people.
To me, Aqil was truly a son–I would command him as a father does his child, without hesitation. He would call me "Father" and kiss my head when he saw me. I loved him immensely and feared losing him one day. Likewise, the Shaykh of the Two Rivers, Abu Musab (may God have mercy on him), once told me: "I fear losing Aqil and pray God grants me martyrdom before him." When the news of Aqil’s martyrdom reached him, he said to me: "Do you know, my friend, that with so many martyrs, one no longer feels bitterness–but Aqil’s martyrdom tore my heart, brought tears to my eyes, and made me weep deeply."
Indeed, Aqil’s departure brought tears to all who knew him–and how could it not? He was a father, a brother, and a son–you were surely one of these to him.
Aqil was wise, insightful, and never known to rage at his brothers. Young and old sought his counsel–in media, administration, and military matters. He was close to all, beloved and tender by every measure.
He spent no more than twenty days with his bride before being called for an important media task. As usual, he rushed with joy in his eyes. Alongside his brother, the martyr Abdulilah, they took shelter in a safe house for their work. On the third day, a sudden raid occurred. The two heroes quickly gathered their crucial media materials, strapped them to their explosive belts, and acted–Aqil rushed to the rooftop, Abdulilah to the garden.
Before the enemies of God could descend from their helicopters, they showered them with bullets. Aqil emptied all his ammunition–he carried an American M16, and all twelve of his magazines were found empty. Abdulilah did the same.
Then, Abdulilah advanced with a large explosive belt, stormed the enemy, and detonated himself in their midst. Meanwhile, Aqil waited inside the house until the enemies entered–then he too blew himself up among them.
The enemy gathered their remains and withdrew quickly after shelling the house. They admitted to five dead and around twenty wounded American soldiers. Praise be to God for the blow struck against them, and praise be to God for the martyrdom of the two beloved ones.
I ask God to replace Aqil with someone better for us, not deprive us of his reward, not test us after him, and to gather us with him in the Gardens of Eden under a Sovereign, All-Powerful King. Amen.
Written by:
Abu Ismail al-Muhajir