.The turn of the twentieth century heralded a new era of domination, sequential conquests and ideological regimes by the occidental colonial powers over the weak and crumbling Muslim masses.

During the war between Italy and the Ottoman administration in 1911, the Italian government issued an ultimatum to the sovereign state of Libya – demanding for them to subscribe to a list of reforms within just twenty four hours or risk being invaded by the Italian forces the following day. Italy's plans were already drawn, leaving the Libyan population with no real options left to take, an army of three hundred thousand soldiers had already been dispatched towards Libya.

In October 1911, Libya would suffer the arrival of Admiral Luigi Faravelli's forces following the ultimatum issued a day earlier. With the subsequent withdrawal of the Ottoman soldiers from the region, there remained no organized troops or governors to defend the honour and reclaim the rights of the Libyan people.

But it is in the darkest of hours, that the brightest stars shine forth and re-align the travelers upon the path to victory and success. It is often said that in history, great men and women are often remembered – but legends are never forgotten.

CHILDHOOD AND UPBRINGING

There lies a trace of great beginnings from within the small village of Zawiyat Zanzur. Here in the serene settings of traditional and rural Libya was the commencement of hope and resistance, concealed in the unfolding mind of a child by the name of Omar son of Mukhtar of the tribe of Menfi.

Though the exact date is disputed, it is agreed that he was born around the year 1862. While on the way to perform the great pilgrimage in Makkah, Mukhtar Al-Menfi died resulting in the orphan-hood of his two young sons, Muhammad and Omar.

An orphan like so many men and women of stature of greatness in history, the young child was adopted by a Sheikh to whom his father had entrusted him before setting off on his final journey.

Omar Mukhtar was very observant and dedicated to practicing the commands of the faith, noted for observing his five daily prayers in congregation throughout his life and for being a memorizer of the Glorious Quran from a very early age.

Omar Mukhtar grew up under the watchful eye of his spiritual mentor, spending his pre-pubescent years studying at the local religious seminaries before graduation from the south eastern University of Jaghbub, following eight years of advanced studies in the religious disciplines. As he grew in years and understanding, so too did his desire and commitment to teach and instruct others. Omar Mukhtar became an instructor specializing in the teaching of the Noble Quran. His reputation at the university reached the ears of some prominent elders who then appointed him to serve as a Sheikh and instructor in Sudan, his appointment there would last several years.