Death Takes More Than a Life: The Secrets That Depart with It

Eng. Saleem Al Batayneh

The faces at the funeral of former Prime Minister and Speaker of the Senate, Zaid Al-Rifai, were diverse, reflecting the many roles he played in Jordan’s political landscape. Yet, in their grief, they were united in acknowledging the loss of a unique political figure—someone whose charisma and influence left an indelible mark on the nation.

This is not mere flattery or conventional eulogy. It is the truth as expressed by those who knew, worked with, or even opposed Zaid Al-Rifai. His political and economic decisions were sometimes controversial, but the respect he commanded was undeniable.

I first met Zaid Al-Rifai in 2014, introduced by Dr. Aref Al-Batayneh, may God rest his soul. The meeting was brief, yet it left a lasting impression. Here was a man of profound political acumen and intellectual depth, whose mind could not easily be swayed, even amid the insinuations and attacks he and his family endured over the years.

Al-Rifai was a man of broad-mindedness and keen insight. His words were not just spoken; they were calculated to engage and provoke thought. His diplomacy and ability to navigate discussions, particularly when confronted with difficult or unexpected questions, were masterful. He managed to steer clear of controversy, not by avoidance, but through intelligence and a deep understanding of the complexities at play. He could read people and situations with an astuteness that few could match.

His personality was multifaceted, and even those who disagreed with him could not deny that he was a statesman of the highest order. He was a treasurer of political secrets, the confidant of the late King Hussein, and a man who carried with him the weight of many untold stories—stories that now, with his passing, may never be known.

Death, however, is not just the cessation of life. It is the departure of untold histories, of secrets that might have shaped the future had they been revealed. Al-Rifai, in his wisdom, chose not to document these secrets, perhaps fearing they could become weapons in the ruthless world of political maneuvering.

As we bid farewell to Zaid Al-Rifai, we are reminded that death has a memory of its own—one that carries away more than just a person. It takes with it the untold, the unrecorded, the whispers of history that will now remain forever silent.

Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones. There is no power or strength except with God, and to Him we belong and to Him we shall return.

Al Batayneh was a member of the Jordanian Parliament.