Wafaa Al-Attar: A Father's Dream, a Daughter's Triumph
Wafaa Ahmed Al-Attar is a Palestinian girl from Deir al-Balah, in central Gaza, who became the sole survivor of her immediate family following an Israeli airstrike on February 22, 2024.
Despite losing her entire family, Wafaa refused to give up. By memorizing the entire Quran, she fulfilled the dream of her martyred father.
Her remarkable story was published on July 2, 2024, by We Are Not Numbers, under the title "The Inspiring Journey of Wafaa Ahmed Alattar." It was written by Nour Khalil Khattab, who personally met Wafaa and documented her journey.
The family members killed in the airstrike were:
- Father: Ahmed Al-Attar
- Mother: Khouloud Azam
- Sister: Rital
- Brothers: Muhammed, Obada, and Yazan (the youngest)
Wafaa survived because she had gone out to fetch a battery when the airstrike struck. She sustained minor injuries and subsequently lived with relatives, including her grandparents and uncle.
Her father had been the first person to encourage her, from an early age, to memorize the Quran. He had dreamed of seeing her honored at a ceremony celebrating those who had memorized the entire Holy Book.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Wafaa said:
"I am Wafaa, daughter of the martyr Ahmed Al-Attar; I am a memorizer of the Book of God. My Quranic journey began in childhood, and from the very start, my father encouraged me to complete the memorization of the Quran."
The loss of her family did not deter her. Instead, she continued the journey she had begun with her father, drawing strength from his dream.
She explained:
"Whenever I felt I couldn't complete the memorization of the Quran or might stray from the path, I would remember my father and his wish—that I memorize the Book of God and recite it in its entirety."
Wafaa eventually attended a ceremony at Al-Qubba Mosque in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, celebrating her achievement of memorizing the entire Quran.
The event honored approximately 215 Quran memorizers and was held as part of the "Quranic Revelation Generation" program, supported by the Gaza Life Union Foundation.
For Wafaa, the achievement was bittersweet. Although her parents and siblings could not physically be there, she dedicated her accomplishment to their memory.
"I am proud of myself, but all the credit goes to my father—may God have mercy on him. He was my sole supporter and main pillar of strength, and he encouraged me to memorize the Quran. I wish he was here with me at this moment," she said.
The Reward for Parents Whose Children Memorize the Quran
In Islam, parents whose children dedicate themselves to memorizing and practicing the Quran are promised tremendous rewards and blessings from Allah.
Among the narrations concerning these rewards is a hadith reported by Al-Hakim and graded authentic by him, with Al-Dhahabi agreeing.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever recites the Quran, learns it, and acts according to it will be given a crown of light to wear on the Day of Judgment, whose light will be like the sun. His parents will be clothed in two garments unlike anything in this worldly life."
They will ask, "What has caused us to be clothed in these garments?"
It will be said, "Your child taking hold of the Quran has caused this."
Source: Al-Madinah Quran Academy.
May Allah have mercy on Wafaa's parents and siblings, reward them, and grant Wafaa strength, protection, and a bright future.
Her story reminds us that even amid unimaginable loss, a father's dream can live on through his daughter.
13-year-old Wafaa Ahmed al-Attar, the sole survivor of her family, fulfills her father’s wish and memorizes the entire Quran after Israel killed her entire family.
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