Saddam Hussein's last words, uttered just moments before his execution by hanging on December 30, 2006, were a defiant declaration: "Allahu Akbar. The Muslim Ummah will be victorious and Palestine is Arab!"
The Final Moments Before Execution
Witnesses present at the execution described Saddam Hussein as appearing "broken and weak" in his final moments, yet notably "unrepentant." Despite his physical state, his words conveyed a strong, unwavering ideological stance.
Sami al-Askari, a witness to the execution, specifically recounted these words, noting that Saddam shouted them just before the rope was placed around his neck. This final outburst encapsulated themes of Islamic faith, pan-Arabism, and the Palestinian cause, which had been central to his political rhetoric throughout his leadership.
Key Details of Saddam Hussein's Final Statement
The table below summarizes the crucial aspects surrounding Saddam Hussein's last recorded words:
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Speaker | Saddam Hussein |
| Timing | Immediately prior to the rope being placed around his neck |
| Reported By | Sami al-Askari, a witness to the execution |
| Appearance | Described as "broken and weak" |
| Demeanor | Noted as "unrepentant" |
| Exact Words | "Allahu Akbar. The Muslim Ummah will be victorious and Palestine is Arab!" |
Significance of His Final Words
- "Allahu Akbar": This Arabic phrase, meaning "God is Greatest," is a common Islamic exclamation used in various contexts, from prayer to expressions of triumph or defiance. In this context, it served as a religious affirmation.
- "The Muslim Ummah will be victorious": "Ummah" refers to the global Muslim community. This statement reflected his belief in the eventual triumph of the collective Muslim world, a theme often invoked in his speeches.
- "Palestine is Arab!": This declaration underscored his long-standing support for the Palestinian cause and his rejection of Israeli sovereignty over Palestinian territories, a core tenet of Arab nationalist ideology.
These words offered a final glimpse into the mindset of the former Iraqi leader, reiterating the core tenets of his ideology even in the face of his impending death.
