Sheikh Mohammed's tribute to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE's first President
Zayed the leader, the wise and the father of the nation is still with us because he departed this world in form only; his soul, wisdom and achievements will endure forever.
We pray to Almighty Allah that his soul rests in peace as we commemorate the first anniversary of the death of Sheikh Zayed, the father who loved his sons and people and devoted his life to the service of his nation.
Today, our belief in Allah's will and destiny is combined with our pride, admiration and respect for Sheikh Zayed, whom Allah rewarded with his people's love during his lifetime.
Allah has also rewarded Sheikh Zayed by including his name among the immortal leaders and reformers with his reputation for good deeds that benefit people.
With the dawn of every new day, we wake up feeling that Sheikh Zayed is still with us. He will be remembered forever because his good deeds and great achievements are evidence of his rich legacy.
We feel Sheikh Zayed among us. His image, ways and legacy live with us every day. We feel his shadow with us and his thoughts provide us with determination and optimism.
We sense him speaking in his warm, tender voice, encouraging us to work, do good deeds and seek glory.
When we are alone, Sheikh Zayed shares our isolation.
Whether for one year, decades or forever, the memory of Sheikh Zayed and his life will remain immortal throughout history and among mankind, not only because of his great achievements as a veteran leader and founder who carried his Arab and Islamic nation in his heart but also because he shared the morals of our noble ancestors.
Sheikh Zayed is one of those rare leaders who were not spoiled by leadership, fortune, achievement and prestige. In fact, these things strengthened his belief in Allah and inspired him to follow in the footsteps of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) by loving people, helping the needy and being a kind-hearted, gentle, soft-spoken, decent and pure man.
His deeds and achievements reduce the pain of separation and loss.
On this day, the Arab nation and the Islamic world miss Sheikh Zayed very much.
They miss his wise voice at this time of turmoil when a bold stance is needed. There is confusion and there are no longer any creative initiatives.
On the first anniversary of his death, we pray to Allah that Sheikh Zayed's soul is resting in peace and we promise to carry his legacy in our consciences and minds and to pass it on to our sons and grandsons and cultivate it as we would a fruit-bearing plant that will benefit future generations.
Oh master, absent and present. Your generosity to us was endless. You lifted and rewarded our country and set an example to the entire world.
You were so generous to me that I had two fathers - Rashid and Zayed - and there is no honour greater than this.
Your image is still in my eyes.
Your voice still in my ears.
Your memory remains in my heart.
So you will never be gone.
May Allah grant that your soul rests in eternal peace and be pleased with you and grant you paradise.
Gulf News
