Mr Mustafà Nasr ‘Almā: A Tragic Tale from the Titanic

Who was Mustafà Nasr ‘Almā?

Mr Mustafà Nasr ‘Almā was a 20 (twenty) year-old Syrian/Lebanese farm labourer who lost his life in the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic. Born in 1892 in Tibnīn, al-Janub, Lebanon, Mustafà was one of the many third-class passengers aboard the ill-fated ship, embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead to his untimely demise.

Early Life and Background

A Young Man from Lebanon

Mustafà Nasr ‘Almā hailed from a Shi’a Muslim family in the village of Tibnīn, located in southern Lebanon. As a young man of 20 (twenty), he was still unmarried and lived with his parents and siblings. His occupation as a farm labourer suggests a modest background, typical of many third-class passengers seeking new opportunities abroad.

What was Mustafà’s connection to America?

It is believed that Mustafà was traveling to Michigan City, Indiana, where he had family. This connection to America highlights the common narrative of many Titanic passengers - seeking a better life or reuniting with relatives who had already made the journey across the Atlantic.

The Titanic Journey

Embarking on a Fateful Voyage

Mustafà boarded the Titanic at Cherbourg, France, as a third-class passenger. His ticket, number 2652, cost £7 4s 7d (7 pounds, 4 shillings, and 7 pence), a significant sum for a farm labourer at the time. This journey was not the beginning of his travels, as he had already made his way from Beirut to Marseille before boarding the Titanic.

Who were Mustafà’s traveling companions?

Mustafà was not alone on this journey. He was accompanied by two of his cousins:

• Yūsuf Ahmad Waznah
• Fatīmah Muslamānī

All three hailed from Tibnīn, forming a small group of relatives embarking on a new chapter in their lives.

The Fateful Night

What happened to Mustafà during the sinking?

The exact details of Mustafà’s final moments are unclear. However, his cousin Fatīmah, the sole survivor of their group, later provided an account of their experience during the sinking. While her story includes some questionable details, it offers a glimpse into the chaos and desperation of that tragic night.

Fatīmah claimed that all of them made their way to the boat deck, with one of the men allegedly dressing as a woman to slip undetected into a lifeboat.

She also reported that her cousins and other men were shot at by crewmen, though the veracity of this claim is doubtful.

The Tragic Outcome

Sadly, Mustafà Nasr ‘Almā did not survive the sinking of the Titanic. His body, if recovered, was never identified. This unfortunate fate was shared by many third-class victims of the disaster, whose stories often remain untold or incomplete.

Legacy and Remembrance

While Mustafà Nasr ‘Almā’s life was cut tragically short, his story serves as a poignant reminder of the diverse backgrounds and aspirations of the Titanic’s passengers. As one of the many Lebanese passengers aboard the ship, Mustafà represents the hopes and dreams of immigrants seeking a better life across the Atlantic.

Table: Key Facts about Mustafà Nasr ‘Almā

Mustafà’s journey, from the fields of Lebanon to the decks of the world’s most famous ship, encapsulates the broader narrative of early 20th-century migration. Though his life ended on April 15, 1912, at the young age of 20 (twenty), his story continues to be told, ensuring that the memory of this young farm labourer from Tibnīn lives on as part of the enduring legacy of the Titanic.