Hollywood, Bollywood, Kollywood, Tollywood, and Sandalwood make heroes for reel life but some are born-heroes in real life! This time the hero of my news report is a nine-year-old boy – Al Muattasim bin Ahmed Al Shaqsi from the beautiful town of Bahla in the Sultanate of Oman. The little hero risked his own life to save his family including his physically disabled mother from a fire.
‘I got her out of the house by pulling her legs. Yes, they were heavy (legs), but the fear of something happening to her, made me do it,’ narrated the brave Al Muattasim. His concern and love for his mother are reflected in his statement. He also rescued his three younger siblings – a five-year-old sister and two brothers aged one and seven. Like many children of his age, he was watching television, when he heard his sister’s screams about the fire reportedly due to short circuit.
Al Muattasim threw caution to the winds and risked his own life to save his family. First, he made sure that he rescued all his siblings. Then he pulled off a mighty feat by pulling his mother’s legs and got her out of the house which was destroyed in the fire. The mother was all praise for her brave son’s selflessness and smart thinking in taking the timely action. Alhamdulillah, none of us suffered any injuries, she added. “Yes, our house has been destroyed, so we are currently at my mother’s home, but my family is fine, and that is what is more important.”
Al Muattasim’s father returned from work on hearing about the fire at home. The elated father declared, “I felt proud when Al Mutassim’s mother told me about what he’d done.”
Al Muattasim’s exemplary presence of mind and quick thinking have also earned him an award from the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA). According to a statement issued by the said authority: “A Brigadier General of the Director-General of Civil Defence and Ambulance honoured Al Mutasim bin Ahmed Al Shaqsi for saving his family from a fire at his home in the Wilayat of Bahla in the Governorate of Al Dakhiliyah. The brigadier praised his bravery, and stressed the need for community awareness in avoiding such accidents.”
It may be recalled that on 25th August 2020, BeyondHeadlines had reported the bravery of a young Indian engineer Uzma Fatima, who lost her own life but not before saving 4 of her colleagues at her workplace near Hyderabad. ‘Bharat ki Beti’ Uzma Fatima Leaves Blazing Trail of Bravery in Srisailam Power Plant Fire; Saving 4 Lives Cost her Own Life
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) should take note of Al Muattasim’s act of bravery and award him to inspire and motivate children all over the world. It is significant to mention that Omani children are known for their courage, strength, and stamina. One can see children as young as 15 years, holding a sheep in an armpit and climbing the steep mountains near the Oman – Yemen border.
BeyondHeadlines is proud to salute the little Omani hero Al Muattasim bin Ahmed Al Shaqsi! May his tribe increase!
