In words brimming with patriotism and belonging to this land, the General Commander of the Great Syrian Revolution, Sultan Pasha al-Atrash, made sure to write his testament to the Bani Ma'ruf and all free people. The text, republished by the “Kian 24” website, stated:
“My Arab brothers and sons,
I have decided, in my final days, awaiting the inevitable death, to address you with a farewell and a final request. This nation entrusted me with the leadership of the Great Syrian Revolution against the brutal French occupation, so I rose to the responsibility of leadership, sought martyrdom, and fulfilled the trust. The revolution erupted from the lofty mountain, Jabal al-Arab, to encompass and spread everywhere, and its slogan was: «Religion is for God, and the homeland is for all». I believe it achieved for you glory and pride, and for colonialism, humiliation and defeat. My testament to you, my Arab brothers and sons, is that before you lies a long path and severe hardship that requires struggle and more struggle: struggle with the self and struggle against the enemy. So endure with the patience of the free, and let your national unity, strength of faith, and cohesion of ranks be your way to repel the schemes of the enemies, expel the usurpers, and liberate the land. Know that preserving independence is a trust around your necks, after many martyrs died for it and much blood was shed to achieve it. Know that Arab unity is the immunity and the strength, and it is the dream of generations and the path to salvation. Know that what is taken by the sword, by the sword is regained, and that faith is stronger than any weapon; that a cup of gall in honor is more delicious than the water of life in humiliation; and that faith is charged with patience, preserved by justice, strengthened by certainty, and empowered by struggle. Return to your history, full of heroism and abundant in glories, for I have not seen anything more influential on the souls than reading history to alert the consciousness and awaken the resolve to rouse peoples so they may attain their freedom, achieve their unity, and raise the banners of victory.
Know that piety is for God and love is for the land; that truth is victorious; that honor lies in upholding virtues; that there is pride in freedom and dignity in self-respect; that advancement comes through knowledge and work; that security is found in justice; and that there is strength in cooperation.
Praise be to God, then praise be to God. He gave me a life I spent in struggle and lived in asceticism; He steadied me, guided me, and helped me through my brothers. I ask Him for forgiveness, in Him is the help sought, He is sufficient for me, and what an excellent Trustee He is. As for what I have left behind in terms of sustenance and wealth, it is the humble effort of a farmer governed by the rules of the tolerant Sharia.”
