Farīd Husayn Qāsim Al-Munà

Who was Mr Farīd Husayn Qāsim Al-Munà?

Mr Farīd Husayn Qāsim Al-Munà, also known as Hussein Kassem Abd Al Khaliq, was a 19 (nineteen) year-old Syrian-Lebanese farmer who tragically lost his life in the sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1893 in Shānā, Lebanon, Farīd was a third-class passenger embarking on a journey to start a new life in America when disaster struck.

Early Life and Family

A Life in Shānā

Farīd Husayn Qāsim Al-Munà was born around 1893 in the small town of Shānā, Lebanon. Growing up in this rural setting, Farīd developed a strong work ethic and connection to the land. By the age of 18 (eighteen), he had established himself as a hardworking farmhand in his native village.

Family Connections

Farīd’s journey to America was inspired by family connections. His relative, presumably a cousin, Nāsīf Qāsim Abī-Al-Munà, had been living in the United States since 1903. Nāsīf had become a successful merchant during his time in America, showcasing the potential for a better life across the Atlantic.

The Decision to Emigrate

What prompted Farīd’s journey to America?

Farīd’s decision to leave his homeland was influenced by Nāsīf’s return to Shānā around late 1910. After marrying in Lebanon, Nāsīf made plans to return to America, and Farīd saw this as an opportunity to join him on the journey back across the Atlantic.

Destination: Fredericksburg

The group’s final destination was to be Fredericksburg, Virginia, where Nāsīf had established his home. This small city, rich in American history, promised new opportunities for the young Lebanese farmer.

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Embarking on the Ship of Dreams

On April 10, 1912, Farīd boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France. He was traveling as a third-class passenger, with his ticket (number 2700) costing £7, 4s, 7d. This was a significant investment for a young farmer, highlighting the importance of this journey in Farīd’s life.

Traveling Companions

Farīd wasn’t alone on this journey. He was accompanied by:

Nāsīf Qāsim Abī-Al-Munà, his older relative and guide
Husayn Mahmūd Husayn Ibrāhīm, another young relative, only 11 years old

This small group of three represented the hopes and dreams of their family back in Lebanon, embarking on a journey that promised a brighter future.

The Tragedy Unfolds

What happened to Farīd during the Titanic’s sinking?

Tragically, Farīd Husayn Qāsim Al-Munà did not survive the sinking of the Titanic on April 15, 1912. At the young age of 19 (nineteen), Farīd’s promising life was cut short in the icy waters of the North Atlantic.

The Aftermath

If Farīd’s body was recovered, it was never identified. This lack of closure adds another layer of tragedy to his story, leaving his family back in Lebanon with unanswered questions and unfulfilled hopes.

Legacy and Remembrance

The Sole Survivor

Of the small group from Shānā, only Nāsīf Qāsim Abī-Al-Munà survived the disaster. In later years, Nāsīf was interviewed about his experiences on the Titanic. Curiously, in these interviews, he made no mention of Farīd’s fate, leaving historians to wonder about the emotional impact of the tragedy on the survivors.

A Life Remembered

While Farīd’s life was tragically short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the many young lives lost in the Titanic disaster. It highlights the human cost of the tragedy, particularly among third-class passengers, and the dreams of a better life that were never realized.

Farīd Husayn Qāsim Al-Munà’s story, though brief, is a testament to the courage of immigrants seeking a better life and the unpredictable nature of fate. His journey, cut short by disaster, continues to resonate over a century later as we remember those lost on that fateful night in April 1912.