After nearly two years of conflict, more than 40,000 people have lost their lives. Syria sees a steady stream of funerals for its so-called martyrs, where shrill cries of joy compete with wails of pain in haunting processions for the dead.

As difficult as it seems to rejoice over the death of a loved, the Islamic principle of martyrdom is at its core about blind faith that those who died righteously reside in a better place in the afterlife. It is a conviction the family clings to when nothing else can explain the death of a young, pregnant woman only a few months into her marriage.

"We had prayed that she would live and they would have children," Aisha said.

"And that we would become a grandpa and grandma, but God remembered her and he took her," her husband interjected.

"I pray that he destines us to martyrdom, too," Aisha added.

The family's near impenetrable faith prevents them from protesting Ayat's fate, but by accepting her death, the family must survive on memories of her life.

"I will remember everything about her. What more can I say? I will remember everything, everything," Mohammad murmured.

And with that, the family members bowed their heads and fell silent.