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An interview with martyr Mohammad Jahanara's wife on the occasion of Khoramshahr conquest anniversary
Introduction
Mehr 24th is not only reminder of Khoramshahr occupation by the Baas aggressive forces; but it reminds us of the days in which Khuzestani people, together with brave youth of this country, resisted so that they created the permanent definition of "the sacred defense". The word of ?the sacred defense? has been combined with the word ?Khuzestani people?. They were the people who defended their country heartily and made epics in which many heroes appeared. These heroes will exist forever in memories and generations. Mohammad Jahanara was one of those everlasting heroes whose sad song is still being sung by this country?s children:
?Oh, Mohammad!, you were not here to see the city has been freed and, your friends blood proved to be fruitful??
Mohammad Jahanara was not a combatant; but, he was a myth of faith, understanding, resistance, martyrdom and sacrifice and his friends became symbols of the sacred defense like him, whether the ones who were martyred or, the ones who are among us and maybe, their patience toward unfaithfulness can make another story of resistance.
On the occasion of Khoramshahr occupation anniversary by the Baas forces, we have an interview with Mrs. Akbarnezhad, martyr Jahanara?s wife.
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- Mrs. Akbarnezhad!, we all know that Mohammad Jahanara is a national hero. Since you have been his compassionate spouse and his mate during the war, what characteristics do you think he had making him a national hero?
* His most important characteristic was his intense love to Islam and Imam Khomeini's leadership that resulted in an intense love to his country. Jahanara did not consider the war or defense as a tribal matter; but, he was more open-minded than that. He saw the enemy against Islam and he had taken it for granted.
His another feature was that whatever he did was for the sake of God. Moreover, since he was a follower of Velayat and believed in Imam?s leadership deeply; he tried to do his jobs with an Islamic aim.
Another important feature was that he didn't think of fame; but, he just wanted to do his responsibilities well. He didn't really think of material affairs and so, his jobs were fruitful and God helped him to remain in people's memories.
- Mrs. Akbarnezhad!, please tell us about his entering to Khoramshahr Sepah.
* Before founding Sepah, he was a member of "Mansooroon" group, in its military branch. After Sepah was founded; he took the responsibility of establishing Khoramshahr Sepah together with other Khoramshahr guys. At first, he started his job as Sepah operation assistant and then, considering his position, he was appointed as the commander of Khoramshahr Sepah and he continued his job until his martyrdom. He and other Khoramshahr youth played an important role in revolutionary activities before war and later, in the sacred defense.
- Did you live in Khoramshahr then?
* We went to Khoramshahr when we married. Then, there was no sign of war. We went to Khoramshahr almost one year before the war beginning and, when it began; I was in Tehran because of the birth of my son, Hamzeh.
- Did you come back there after Seyed Hamzeh's birthday?
* No, we had moved to Tehran before the war; because, martyr Jahanara was going to get a position in Tehran; but, beginning the war, it was cancelled. He stayed in Khoramshahr and I was commuting between Tehran and Khoramshahr.
- Do you have any memory of that commuting?
* Once, Hamzeh and I went to Khoramshahr. It was so hot. The house we had been accommodated in had no air conditioner. Martyr Jahanara took Hamzeh to Sepah to get rid of hot weather. Later, I found that he had taken him to the frontline for two purposes: one, to show his little child to guys in the front and make them understood that not only I am not important in this war; but my child is not important either and the only thing important is victory of Islam. Moreover, according to him, taking that child to the front made combatants happy. They held Hamzeh one by one and get good spirits of him. It means that nothing, even love to a child, shouldn?t change or weaken our creed.
- What did you do when you found out your child had been taken to the front?
* I laughed and became happy for those guys were in good spirits. You know, all of these problems had been solved for me and people like me.
- You mean you were not frightened at all?
*No, when I think about it; I understand that, in those days, the meaning of martyrdom was so tangible and loving for us that we had realized its essence. We had felt martyrdom with every cells of our bodies. Fear didn't make any sense to us. It was all realization, courage and resistance.
- Do you remember anything from that 40-day resistance?
* Me not, but I can tell you what I heard from martyr Jahanara.
- Yes, please tell us!.
* One of his positive traits was that he didn?t forget his family even during ultimate busy-mindedness. Usually, he called me at nights, asked after us and talked about the same day's events. Those days, their most important problem was the shortage of armament and defensive weapons. He emphasized that I inform authorities and since, I had a contact with martyr Rajaee; quoted his words to him. Once, he was too worried and said:"we have to stay in shelters at nights and even don"t dare to go out to bring martyrs bodies inside. Sometimes, we painfully witness roamer dogs attacking to them and?. We see such tragic scenes and cry; but, we can't do anything?. The last time I talked to martyr Rajaee; he said: ?send a message to Jahanara not to wait for armament; because, Banisadr is strongly against sending armament?.
-What happened next?
* They were fighting barehanded and resisted the city heartily with the power of faith. Despite all problems, they guarded Khoramshahr for a long time, until?
Martyr Jahanara was an emotional man. How do you think such a person leaves his family and emotional ties, and goes to the front?. I answer you with a part of martyr Jahanara?s letter . he had written in one of his letters: "I am not apathetic to my family and my not doing responsibilities toward my family is no due to my apathy; but, it's because of a heavier responsibility given to me from God. Such a responsibility makes a man lose all kinds of affections".
-Did you accompany him in that great responsibility?
* Yes, let me tell you a memory. It was 30 days that Hamzeh had been born and Mohammad hadn't asked after him. In one afternoon, I saw him coming and so, I became too happy. It was the first time he saw Hamzeh. I felt mohammad was smelling Hamzeh affectively and it showed his love to this child. Of course, I found later that he had not come to see us; but, he had a meeting with Imam to inform him of Khoramshahr affairs. First of all, he had done that and then, he came to meet us.
- Mrs. Akbarnezhad!, in which of your children can you find their father's characteristics?.
* All friends and relatives say that Hamzeh is exactly like his father, emotional and affectionate.
- How many years did you live with him?
* Exactly, 2 years and a month.
-How long did you live together?
* Maybe 8 months.
- Didn?t you ever complain about that situation?
* We didn't have such habits. As Mohammad was a refined man; God gave his family patience instead. We started our life on the basis of creed and, such creed supported our life affairs. One of God's providences is this patience given to us.
- How have you excused their father's absence after his martyrdom?
* When he was martyred; Hamzeh was 1 year old and had seen his father when he was 10 months for the last time!. Salman had not been born so far.
Fortunately, Salman and Hamzeh have not considered their father's martyrdom as he has gone forever. Whenever Salman heard his father?s name; he reminded him as someone who is still among us.
- Do you have a memory about it?
* Yes, once, the principal?s assistant of Hamzeh?s school rang and said: "Mrs. Akbarnezhad!, Hamzeh made a speech for children on the occasion of his father?s martyrdom today. This child explained the philosophy of martyrdom in his childish words for his classmates in a way that made everyone astonished. He told them all quoting you!. Then, I thanked God for having such children being acquainted with the martyrdom status to this extent.
- What did you do with your loneliness after his martyrdom?
* When there is an intense emotional relation between two people; it is natural to miss him after separation. Of course, my loneliness was among me, him and our God. I usually speak with his picture and, I feel he understands and hears my words. Even once, I had been overwhelmed with difficulties; I was complaining about his absence and saying: " Why did you go to a comfortable place and left me with all difficulties". The same night, I dreamed of him and he told me:"Our dying is not optional". These words calmed me and I understood that he had been selected to be martyred.
- What are your children doing right now?
* Seyed Hamzeh studied Industrial Design and now, he is working. Seyed Salman is a student of Polytechnic Industries.
- At the end, is there anything left to say?
* What I am going to say may be new or may be not!. I really ask the authorities and people, from the bottom of my heart, that let martyrs children be themselves. Don't make them be misled by their father's name, fame and martyrdom; since, it hurts them. Although I know they do that kindly; they had better let martyrs children experience real life in every field of society. Don't spoon-feed them; because, it is not kindness. I always tried to keep my children away from such things and, I hope I can continue it, God willing.
- Which of Jahanara's friends do you remember?
* One of his best friends was martyr Moosavi who, later on, became the commander of Khoramshahr Sepah and was one of the most important people in Khoramshahr resistance.
- And the last word?
* We have paid a high price for this revolution and lost many of our youth and distinguished people to preserve it. Although I believe that God has been and is the supporter of this revolution; but, every one should try to preserve revolutionary goals not to be hurt by internal and external enemies. It is people who can block their invasion if being affected by martyrs; and it is definitely so.
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