Ahmed “Abu Jamal,” a Quran teacher in Rafah, southern Gaza, carries his Quran on his wheelchair as dozens of children gather around him to learn during Ramadan. Despite losing both legs to an Israeli missile attack, his determination remains unshaken.  

“Abu Jamal” was injured on his way to the mosque for Asr prayer during the ongoing war. Yet, he continues his daily journey to teach children the Quran, navigating rough roads and physical challenges. “I was always striving to take the children to the mosque,” he says. “Now, they come to my house to take me to the prayer area.”  

Surrounded by students in a makeshift prayer area on the ruins of the destroyed “Prophets’ Mosque,” “Abu Jamal” leads Quran memorization sessions after Fajr and Dhuhr prayers. After Asr, he teaches the Sunnah, Tajweed, and Noorani Qaida, followed by activities and competitions after Taraweeh.  

“My injury will not deter me from continuing the path of the Quran,” he says. “Perhaps my two feet have already preceded me to heaven.”  

“Abu Jamal” is one of many victims of Israel’s war on Gaza. According to the Ministry of Health, over 10,000 amputations have been recorded since October 7, including more than 4,000 children. UNRWA reports that at least ten children lose a limb daily due to the ongoing violence.  

Through his resilience, “Abu Jamal” embodies the unyielding spirit of Gaza’s people, turning personal tragedy into a source of inspiration for the next generation.