Amid that large crowd of people, I saw many brothers and old friends whom I had not met for decades. It is impossible to mention them all here. Some whose names I no longer remember, yet whose faces remained familiar. Others, like the brothers Addi, Joughnin, Cheikhi, Amhammadi, Benabid, and many more, resurfaced clearly in my memory.
I must also mention, in this context, a brother with whom I had lost all contact for more than thirty years: Si Miloud Bouazza. Although his features had changed and he now had a thick white beard that gave him a dignified appearance, I recognized him instantly. Under the shock of the tragedy and the surprise of seeing him, I threw myself into his arms, shedding hot tears and sobbing continuously, without realizing what I was doing or being able to stop. This second emotional outburst helped me regain some of the psychological balance I desperately needed.
The news of my brother Mustapha’s death struck me with tremendous force. He was the youngest of us… He would have turned forty‑four in a few weeks, on February 24th.
A vital stone of our family structure has fallen. A tender branch of our family tree has broken. But this tree has blessed extensions: three young shoots — Abdelrahman, Adnane, and Marouane — who will continue the path, strong, upright, and steady, God willing. Seeing these children playing as usual, as if nothing had happened, caused me deep pain. We ask God to protect them, watch over them, and compensate them for the parental affection they lost.
The deceased left, by everyone’s testimony, a pure and spotless reputation. He was a simple, humble, calm man, pleasant to be around, upright, never deviating from the right path. Hard‑working and devoted in his job, gentle and kind with his colleagues and friends. He appeared to people as someone who possessed the dignity of a much older man.
He was very close to his parents, never letting a day pass without visiting them, checking on them, and providing whatever help they needed, seeking only their satisfaction and the blessing of their prayers.
With the rest of the family, he was known for his kindness, good manners, and avoidance of anything that could disturb family harmony. Quiet, often silent, he only spoke when matters were serious, despite his fondness for humor and light‑heartedness in daily life. Polite, respectful, and sincerely religious, without excess or negligence.
He was also quick to give and to help, always discreetly, avoiding anything that resembled boasting or showing off.
May God have mercy on our dear departed, grant him a place in His vast gardens, and give patience and comfort to all his family and acquaintances. May He surround his small family with His protection and abundant blessings.
“We belong to God, and to Him we shall return.”
Kenitra, 15/01/2012
