One of the hardest things ever is to summarize the life of a special person who was truly bigger than life... And it becomes even harder when this person is Marwa El Sherbiny...

Marwa El Sherbiny is the Egyptian young woman who was stabbed to death in a German court by Alex W. in front of her husband and 3 years old son. But this was only the tragic end scene of an exceptional life that had been full to the brim with love, faith, compassion, purpose and meaning. So let's start from the beginning;

Marwa was born in Alexandria in 1977, the daughter of chemists Ali El-Sherbiny and Laila Shams. In 1995 she graduated from the El Nasr Girls' College (E.G.C.). During her school years she was a popular and distinguished character. With her ethics, academic achievements, leadership and unmistakable charisma she was a role model for all the students at school and for this, she was elected the head girl of her school. In her graduation, she was the student speaker, who, on behalf of all her alumini said goodbye to their happy school days and said welcome to their first step on their professional path. That day was memorable for all those who attended. Her speech was coming from the heart...And it touched all the hearts, just like everything Marwa did in her life. Soon afterwards, Marwa participated in the establishment of JADE (Junior Association of Demonic X-EGCeans) so as to keep the all the E.G.C graduates in touch with each other and with the school.

Marwa was never confined to studentship … her life was also enriched with sports, social and charity work. She was a remarkable member of the Egyptian national handball team from 1992 to 1999. Having a compassionate heart and strong will, Marwa dedicated a major portion of her life to charity work. While she was a student, with no source of she wanted to gather donation for poor sick people and she was one of the organizers (or was she an active member) of BSLA episodes (Basketball summer league in Alexandria) whose income was directed to kidney and heart centers, and others.

From 1995 to 2000 she studied pharmacy at the Faculty of Pharmacy of Alexandria University, obtaining a bachelor's degree with a very good grade.

In 2005, Marwa moved with her husband to Bremen in Germany. In 2008, the couple and their two year old son moved to Dresden, where her husband Elwi Ali-Okaz, a lecturer at Minufiya University, obtained a doctoral research position at the Max Planck Institute for Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics. At the same time, Marwa worked at the University Hospital Dresden and at a local pharmacy, as a part of an accreditation scheme to practice pharmacy in Germany.

Marwa was a bright example of how a moderate Muslim woman should be. She held the character of a true Muslim, who cared about the core and deeds more than the mere superficial acts. She believed that every simple act we can be an act of worship to Allah. She believed in the social responsibility of every Muslim. She always believed that every Muslim carries the responsibility of conveying the bright Islam's image and she was a true example. With a broad mind, a sweet smile and compassionate heart she could deal with those with whom she differed. Together with others, Marwa founded an association (Eingetragener Verein) with the aim to establish an Islamic cultural and education centre in Dresden.

As a friend, all her friends have lost the irreplaceable centre of their network and the joyous light in their lives. It was her words, inspirations, feelings, thoughts and her love that helped us, her friends, to see that life, after all is beautiful. It is said that there are two kinds of people; people who lift...And people who lean and on Marwa we all used to lean. Her wisdom, her warm hug and her tender smile had always been there for every one of us at any time we needed her. If Marwa's passing was bitter-sweet, the recollections and the fond memories was the sweet ..and the fact that we have lost her forever ..and without even having time to say thank you and goodbye ….