THE MAGNIFICENT HUSAIN

Extended families in the Middle East are usually large. In my case, I was blessed with very productive relatives with head counts of at least six per household. In a few cases, head counts reached twelve or more. Most of the members of my extended families were illiterate, including my parents, and they spent most of their time tending their fields and flock of animals. I thought I was the black sheep of the family by graduating from high school. It turns out I was completely mistaken, because the younger generation took off and became Engineers, teachers, doctors, and writers. One of my uncles passed away at a relatively young age. His widow (Aunt Hedoop) has a special place in my heart. At some point I considered her as a surrogate mother. She used to allow me into her orchids to collect figs and other fruits as much as my heart desired. This is an example of her kindness, compassion, and helpfulness. One of her youngest sons (Husain) was a timid young kid who used to avoid any contacts with me perhaps due to the age difference. In general, the youngest children in the family received extra attention and protection to make sure nobody muddle with them. The last time I saw Husain was in the capital city of Jordan in the summer of 1977 when he arrived to start his college education. The encounter was very short and I have not seen him since then. I had some doubt about his ability to cope with the pressure of higher education since he was shielded from all hardship during his childhood, but as I recently found out, he pulled the rug from under my feet and completely proved me wrong.

The age of internet and cyberspace is very kind to us; thanks to Al Gore et al. (just kidding). Searching the internet during my spare time becomes one of my hobbies. Fishing websites for the town that I grew up in (Bani Na’im), family members, and any other related news is my latest obsession and passion. I discovered many things about my ancestors and I located several of nieces and nephews who are living in the United State. Recently, I encountered a new website about Bani Na’im. This website contains several topics including general images from the town. Seeing these images brought back painful and heartbreaking memories and at the same time ignited some hope of finding a relative or two who would be able to write to me. Exactly, the second day after registering in Bani Na’im’s website, I received a message from Husain. I thought that was a celestial message brought to me by an angel rather than by a computer. I also found out that the town was transformed with inhabitants as being the most literate people in the region.

I examined Husain’s websites and to my surprise and amazement he excelled in his undergraduate program and furthermore he received a Ph.D. in Arabic literature. His dissertation was focused on the women role in the Palestinian literature. He is a talented, outstanding, and prolific writer. He transformed himself from a timid young man to a professor at one of the best universities in Saudi Arabia. His academic productivity is that of incredible, fantastic, astonishing, and gifted individual. To his credit, he wrote many high caliber books and articles including children books, theatric articles, short stories, comparative essays, and countless contributions to newspapers and magazines. He is also an excellent teacher as judged by his students’ comments and evaluations.

Husain is a living example that any one of my family members would excel given the opportunity. This is typical for any Palestinian families where the education is cherished as the holy-grail. In many cases, family members came at the top due to their dedication, determination, and motivation to change the status-quo with little or nothing to support or sustain them. Husain’s journey is an incredible story. He is a survivor, fighter, and a leader. Anybody with a cerebral brain will be proud of Husain and his accomplishment. I believe if Musa Ibn Naseer looks down from heaven, he would be pleased with his descendant the incredible Husain. He would conclude that his spirit of adventure, exploration, and leadership is still alive, by watching Husain from his heavenly spot.

I was sadden and concerned when I heard the ailment and the medical conditions of Husain and his wife. But I know he is a fighter and for sure will survive the ordeal. I am thinking of both of you and praying for your well being. I wish you the best of luck for whatever you do and wherever you are, for I know your productive and magnificent life will remain a beacon for many generations to come.

Omar Manasreh
13 June 2008