‘I am stronger in spirit, more forgiving’

Saqr Al Bethany, 28, has emerged stronger in spirit after his near-death experience as a victim of the February 13 German Bakery (GB) terror blast. 

Al Bethany, who suffered 40% burns and underwent extensive treatment and therapy, will carry the scars to his grave. His faith in the divine has, however, increased manifold, making him an immensely stronger person.

“I still remember that day when we were having a pastry and coffee and suddenly there was a huge explosion. In a minute or two I saw all the bodies lying tattered, bleeding profusely. The injured were screaming and crying in pain.

“I was injured and was unable to hear anything then as the explosion had stunned and deafened me for a few minutes. My clothes were torn, I was bleeding and was badly bruised. Somehow I managed to reach Ruby Hall Clinic in that whole chaos,” he said, vividly recollecting the experience.

After reaching the hospital, Al Bethany called his friends, who rushed to his assistance. On the doctor’s advice, he was shifted to Surya Hospital to be treated for his burns.

“After the explosion and during my admission, my only prayer to Allah was to get me back on my feet so that I could pursue my dream of becoming an international kick-boxer and marry my beloved, Nazila,” Al Bethany said.

He attributes his recovery to his intense desire driven by his will power. The near-death experience has had a profound impact on this youth.

“Now after a year and even after the blast, I have learnt to forgive people and grab any opportunity that comes my way,” says Al Bethany. “Prior to the blast I was not that focussed and never took life seriously. But now I realise life is unpredictable. The blast helped me understand and recognise my friend and foes and I have stopped feeling bad about it,” he says.

In August last year, after recovering from his injuries, Al Bethany resumed his kick-boxing classes and also got married to his beloved.