Dr. Adnan al-Bursh
A Determination to Save Lives Despite Atrocities
Born: Jabalia refugee camp
Died: Ofer Prison
Dr. Adnan al-Bursh chose to stay when Gaza’s hospitals collapsed—tending wounds in the dark, performing surgery by phone light, and refusing to leave his people. His life was a living ayah of mercy, reflecting the Qur’anic truth that saving one life is like saving all of humanity. In martyrdom, he leaves behind not just a legacy of healing, but a call to awaken our duty, dignity, and devotion.
In the war-torn landscape of Gaza, Dr. Adnan al-Bursh embodied the Qur’anic principle:
“And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved all mankind.”
(Surah Al-Ma’idah, 5:32)
As the head of orthopedic medicine at Al-Shifa Hospital, Dr. al-Bursh faced challenges that most medical professionals could hardly imagine. In December 2023, as Israeli forces intensified their assault on Gaza, his character was put to the ultimate test. While many fled, he chose to stay, moving between hospitals to provide critical care wherever he was needed.
Colleagues recall how he would perform complex surgeries under the dim light of mobile phones when electricity failed. His compassion, sacrifices, and steadfastness in such dire circumstances brought to life the Hadith:
“The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari and Muslim)
With his dream of building an all-inclusive hospital in Gaza and his unwavering commitment to his patients, Dr. al-Bursh also reminds us of the teaching of the Prophet Muhammad (saw):
“The best of people are those most beneficial to others.”
(Al-Mu‘jam Al-Awsat)
Family Man and Mentor
Beyond the operating room, Dr. Adnan al-Bursh was a devoted family man and an inspiring mentor, embodying the Qur’anic injunction:
“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:24)
To his wife and six children, he was not just a father but also a source of strength and optimism. His dedication to his family reflected the Prophet’s (saw) teaching: “The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best to my family.” (Tirmidhi)
As a mentor, Dr. al-Bursh’s impact extended far beyond his immediate family. He took young doctors under his wing, teaching them not only medicine but also compassion and resilience. This mentorship aligned with the Prophet’s (saw) saying: “Whoever guides someone to virtue will be rewarded equivalent to him who practices that good action.” (Sahih Muslim)
His role as an adviser to the Palestine national football team further demonstrated his belief in the holistic development of youth—nurturing both body and spirit.
Tragically, Dr. al-Bursh’s life of service came to a brutal end when he was murdered under torture in Israeli detention. His death sent shockwaves through the community, yet even in martyrdom, he exemplified the Qur’anic verse: “And do not say about those who are killed in the way of Allah, ‘They are dead.’ Rather, they are alive, but you perceive [it] not.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:154)
Dr. Adnan al-Bursh’s story is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary impact one individual can have, even in the most challenging circumstances. His unwavering dedication to medicine and his community, coupled with his role as a loving family man and mentor, paints the portrait of a true believer who lived the teachings of Islam in the most profound way.
