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His Qualities
When
people love a man, a certain person, this is an honor
for him, because it is not always easy to
gain people's love and respect. This is even more so
when the feeling is unanimous.
In history, very few are the men who have been
widely respected, appreciated and loved. Why do all
people love, respect and appreciate H.H. Sheikh Zayed
Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the State?
Is it because he has loved his people and
sacrificed so much to see them happy and prosperous? Is
it because he has honored the citizen and strived to
equip him with knowledge, science and values? Is it
because he has advocated adherence to the true values of
Islam? Is it because has believed in the Federation and
in unity? Is it because he has loved justice, truth,
honesty, sincerity, work and loyalty?
Is it because he hates rancor, enmity, malice, envy,
antipathy and conflict? Is it because he has honored
women and the youth and adhered to heritage, and
authentic Arab tradition? I attest that it is because of
each and every one of the above. Sheikh Zayed possesses
all these qualities and many, many more.
On the occasion of the UAE 11th National Day
Anniversary, on December 2, 1982, in an interview with
Zahrat Al Khaleej magazine, Her Highness Sheikha Fatima
Bint Mubarak, the President's spouse, explained his
successful leadership and the secret of all this great
love that people have for him, saying:
"The love of people is a gift from God to the
person who fears God and believes in Him. The President
of the UAE is this kind of person. He lived in Al Ain
and in the Eastern Province area for twenty years. His
life was very simple. He was very humble, upright, kind
and generous, even though his resources at that time
were very limited. These qualities were his password to
the heart of citizens and to circumstances in which life
in the Eastern Province flourished. He managed to
overcome all obstacles through wisdom and consultation
with his people and by sharing with them their simple
life without any arrogance or conceit, thus practicing
real democracy and justice. He hates injustice
especially when directed against the poor and simple. He
is deeply concerned with the life of people in remote
areas and the things that worry them, and is preoccupied
with how to provide them with a prosperous and dignified
life. He considers all citizens to be his own brothers,
relatives and tribesmen. He does not know discrimination
or favoritism. For him all have equal rights and are
entitled to these rights irrespective of what this may
cost, and because of the great love he has for his own
people, they return it in equal measure. His success is
attributed to the success willed by God and to his hard
work. He steers by the Koran verse: 'And Say "Do deeds!
Allah will see your deeds, and (so will) His Messenger
and the believers".' He fears God and this is true of
every step he takes and every idea that forms in his
mind. God helps him triumph over difficulties and grants
him success. I will never forget the years of giving
which he began after twenty years' work and experience
in Al Ain. The beginning was very modest, yet dreams and
aspirations were great. However, they all came true and
all the projects turned into a colossal achievement -
wishes became a bright reality, confirming his strong
determination to exploit the country's wealth for the
happiness, welfare and prosperity of the UAE people. The
years of bounty have been the lot of a fortunate
generation of citizens of this hospitable country. What
is important in my view is the fact that His Highness,
the President of the UAE, has maintained admirable
consistency from the beginning up to today. He has
always considered wealth a means to make human beings
happy and to meet their aspirations. Wealth should not
be a source of suffering, or a means of corrupting the
people and changing them only superficially to cause
them suffering. He is a real believer in God and has
never been spoiled by power or money. This is why he has
been able to raise the UAE to the position of one of the
most advanced and civilized countries."
His Humanitarianism
The foregoing demonstrates how Zayed, the humane
leader, has honored the people and how the people, both
inside and outside UAE, have loved him.
His Highness Sheikh Zayed answered a question on
French television about leadership by saying: "The
success of a human being in his work depends on his
interest in doing this work and the kind of love he has
for it, as well as the responsibility he bears. If one
lacks interest, ambition or enthusiasm, one will never
succeed in achieving one's goals, even if one has the
means.
As far as I am concerned, I have great interest in
living with my people and in maintaining close ties with
them. I meet them on all occasions and openly discuss
with them their problems and personal affairs,
everywhere, in cities and remote areas. These frequent
meetings encourage them to be frank with me. They may
criticize a Minister or a top-executive openly and
frankly. I don't rely on reports, and I would rather
hear with my own ears and see with my own eyes. When you
know the truth, you will feel satisfied and convinced,
and lead a people who willingly entrust you with
leadership. The leader should not sit behind closed
doors, and there should be no barriers between him and
his people."
H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President
of the United Arab Emirates, has the following to say:
"We have realized right from the start that the
individual is the basis of any process of civilization
and the pivot of real progress. Therefore, we had to
build the individual and spare no money or effort in
achieving this objective. This conviction derives from
the fact that an educated and active person is the
pillar on which the Federation depends in its march."
H.H. Sheikh Zayed put this into practice and
dedicated his efforts to meeting the aspirations of his
people and their longing for security, stability and
prosperity. He focused on the construction of a modern
state where all people enjoy progress and welfare.
Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, in a
special interview with Durrat El Imarat magazine,
December 1997 edition, said: "The words of His Highness,
'the human being is the real wealth', still shed light
on the essence of his thinking, which has given value
and importance to the individual as the maker of
prosperity and the driver of progress in his society.
Thus, development of human resources in all its aspects
is the main preoccupation of His Highness. This
development targets the field of education, training,
health and awareness in general, as well as the creation
of job opportunities for the youth while emphasizing the
skills that will enable them to effectively participate
in the national labor market."
He called upon judges to adhere to justice and
avoid delaying cases. An instance of this is what he
said on April 5, 1999, when a number of judges took the
oath before him: "I wish you success in your mission to
achieve justice and adhere to it when ruling between
people, without any fear or favoritism, and in full
observance of Islamic Law, and prompt decision on cases
and passing of judgments".
His Highness Sheikh Zayed has always been fond of
children. He sees in them a bright future and has
focused on their happiness. Instances of his benevolent
deeds in this respect include opening new schools for
children and equipping them with all the modern
facilities required for the comfort of the children, for
protecting their health, and for educating and preparing
them for the future. He also gave instructions to
allocate a fund for Sheikha Fatima Bint Haza' Bin Zayed
Al Nahyan Prize for Arab Children Stories in order to
promote children's literature, enrich their thinking and
refine their talents.
Dr. Mani'i Saeed Al 'Otaiba speaks of the
humanitarian aspects of Sheikh Zayed's character saying:
"I have been close to Sheikh Zayed since my
childhood. What binds us together is something akin to
the relationship between the father and his son, between
the commander and his soldier and between one poet and
another. He is the man who stands by his people shoulder
to shoulder through thick and thin, exchanging visits,
listening to their complaints and solving their
problems. Zayed has many friends most of whom do not
hold any official positions. They visit him at any time
without seeking permission and talk to him as friends.
When any of these does not show up, he will immediately
ask about him and his whereabouts, motivated by the
feelings of a loving and loyal friend.
I can't conceive of a scene that is more
magnificent and humane than the scene which brings Zayed
together with his friends, away from formalities. He
stands up to shake hands with people who come to greet
him and listens attentively to any citizen addressing
him. Arrogance and disdain are alien to his nature and
he never keeps barriers between him and his people. He
is inclined towards simplicity in everything. What he
loves most is sitting on sand dunes and taking in the
skies and contemplating the significance of the
universe. He loves the color green, and asks God to
bless the hands of those who till the earth."
His Call For Brotherhood
His Highness never misses any occasion to call
for brotherhood and cooperation between Arabs and
Muslims. His vision is inspired by a profound faith in
the value of solidarity and an abiding respect for human
beings. This has made him emphasize in many of his
addresses the importance of giving everyone what is his
due, and working with diligence and devotion to raise
the standard of living in order to strengthen the
pillars of stability. On March 4, 1999, he gave a
statement to the Emirates News Agency on this topic:
"The way people in the UAE treat each other in all
matters is thoroughly grounded in the way in which they
have been raised and in the realities of the environment
in which they have lived. These realities acknowledge
that all people scattered over five the continents are
in fact one family, a family whose origin is the same,
the same father and the same mother. There is no room
for claims of superiority with respect to the essence of
creation and the beginnings of life. Allah, Most
Gracious and Most High, says: "Oh mankind! We have
created you from a male and a female, and made you into
nations and tribes that you may know each other. Verily,
the most honorable of you with Allah is that (believer)
who has At-Taqwâ [he is one of the Muttaqûn (the
pious)]. Verily, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware." The
Prophet Mohammed says: "Oh people! You have one God, one
father and you all belong to Adam and Adam is from
dust." Thank God that we observe this human brotherhood
in compliance with the Holy Koran and the Sunna of His
Prophet. If any of us is found in breach of Islam
teachings, or of the rules governing the rights of
others, we should not forget that it is in the nature of
human beings to make mistakes. However, the most
important thing is to repent and pray for God's
forgiveness. We spare no effort to take good care of the
people we rule because this is something that we owe to
God. One of God's favors on His worshippers is to have
some of them correcting the others, and God grants
authority over others to those who are merciful and who
apply his rules. God has revealed wise rules that
embrace tolerance for his worshippers. These rules guide
whoever wants to do good and instruct what to do and
what to avoid, what is permissible and what is
prohibited. God has created all people and has created
earth for them to live on along with the one who will
take care of them day and night. This calls on fear of
God, Most Gracious, Most High, and on following the
teachings of His Book, the Holy Koran and on God's
orders in matters pertinent to ruling and taking care of
His worshippers. Our best knowledge of God and belief in
Him, Great and Almighty, makes us do our best to observe
His teachings and work with diligence and devotion and
persistence in pursuit of achieving things that will
improve the standard of living of the people, all people
citizens and men whoever these men may be, and in
accordance with what God wills, because He, Great and
Almighty, wills as He pleases. Man has to do his best in
all matters relating to preserving the rights of his
brother and his own rights in life. In order to
implement this, efforts exerted should not be divorced
from co-operation, brotherhood, and loyalty between the
people. Based on this understanding, God imposed Zakat
(Islam Tax) on wealthy people who can afford to pay it
as a means to create solidarity and mutual assistance
among Muslims.
Islam also urges Muslims to be generous, openhanded
and to always give alms to those who need financial help
to confirm a noble human principle namely, solidarity
among members of the human race and granting rights
where they belong. This is the foremost aspect of
justice for us, and one of the most important pillars of
stability in societies. This good deed of preserving and
maintaining people's rights is the shortest way to the
acceptance of God, Great and Almighty. It involves
working according to the teaching of God, Great and
Almighty, and following the Sunna of His Prophet,
pleasing God to Whom all perfection and majesty are
ascribed."
His Faith
Sheikh Zayed's faith in God, the Prophet and what
the Holy Koran and the Hadith have prescribed, has
enriched his personality with confidence, will,
strength, patience and determination. If we go back to
the days of his youth, we will realize how all his deeds
have had as a point of departure a profound belief the
Islamic Constitution. He has read the Holy Koran,
learned its verses by heart and listened to stories of
all Prophets and Messengers of God. He has read what the
teachers and scholars of his age have written. He has
gained the virtues of the true Muslim which find
expression in his patience, determination and will. When
he exercises sport he follows one of the prime
principles of Islam, which says that "A sound mind in a
sound body." When he sits alone on Hafeet Mountain in
seclusion, thinking and meditating about the universe
and God's creation, he is again exhibiting one of the
Muslim's qualities.
Days pass by and Zayed becomes the President of the
United Arab Emirates. In this capacity he has always
derived his ideas and strategies from the true teachings
of religion. Instances which attest to this are
innumerable and include:
* His call for Arab unity as the only way for power and
success.
* His call for solidarity and co-operation in order ward
off dangers and disasters and achieve progress and
prosperity.
* His insistence on justice and equality.
* His endeavors to provide security and assurance among
the members of society.
* His statement that the real wealth is the person who
is the most precious being on earth.
* Construction of mosques and scientific institutions.
* His assistance to Muslims.
* Taking sides with those affected by war and disasters,
and helping them materially and morally.
* His call for science and knowledge.
* His determination to protect the environment.
* His determination to promote agriculture and spread it
throughout the country.
* His call to patch-up the differences between Arab
nations.
* He is always thankful to God for his blessings.
* His belief in "No extravagance and no remiss"
* His various activities in promoting the cause of
Islam.
* His belief in the importance of peace and his derision
for the spirit of surrender.
* His charitable programs inside the UAE, and in other
GCC and Arab countries.
* His integrity, honesty, nobleness and generosity and
his good relations with his neighbors in the Gulf and
the GCC countries.
* His magnanimity and courage in matters relating to
what is right and his humanitarian stances, which reach
beyond the state to the Arab nation as a whole.
* His rejection of destructive ideas and tendency to be
altruistic.
We can infer, from what has been mentioned above,
the reason why H.H. Sheikh Zayed was selected the
Islamic Personality of the Year - a widely supported
selection. The insistence on his selection is
inseparable from the fact that he meets all the criteria
with merit. We should also emphasize the fact that he is
foremost among those Arab personalities that deserve
this title.
Zayed, Islamic Personality of the Year
The announcement of the selection of H.H. Sheikh
Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, as the
Islamic Personality of the Year in 1999, by H.H. General
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown
Prince and Minister of Defense, in the 3rd session of
the Dubai International Holy Koran Award for 1420 A.H.
is not unfounded.
This is so because H.H. Sheikh Zayed has
incorporated Islamic teachings in his thoughts and
actions. He has made Islam the point of departure in his
awareness and understanding of contemporary issues. If
had to try to keep a record of his ideas and deeds, we
would write numerous volumes and surprise everyone, near
and far, for such is the personality of His Highness.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
confirmed what we have just mentioned, in his statement
to Al Ittihad newspaper, Issue No. (8919) on December 6,
1999, when he said:
"H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God protect
him, is one of the leaders who have left indelible marks
on the pages of modern history. He is one of those who
have been predominant in shaping events in the region
over the last decades. He is an Islamic leader and a
towering Arab personality who has taken Islam as his
point of departure in all matters relating to
contemporary issues that call for awareness and
insight."
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed added:
"It is because of this that the Islamic role of H.H.
Sheikh Zayed cannot be encapsulated in a few words.
Rather, we can identify some aspects of this
constructive role and those acts of charity which H.H.
the President of the State loves most, and which we
consider as part of his duty towards Islam. This is a
duty which His Highness is always very keen on
fulfilling with loyalty and without any publicity
because he believes that acts of charity should be
something between him and God and should be dedicated to
God Almighty and Great."
H.H. Sheikh Zayed's generosity, with its attendant
bountifulness, which has extended to cover the entire
Arab and Islamic worlds, makes us all proud. He has made
the exalted Islamic Law (Sharia) the sole source of laws
in the UAE. Not only that, Islam is also the frame of
reference for other domains such as personal behavior,
opinions, leadership, raising of children, for
strengthening the Federation and calling for unity. He
has always been inspired by the true spirit of Islam in
his personal behavior and in his acts of humanitarian
assistance, such as the building of mosques, cities and
dams, co-operation with Muslim countries, saving human
beings from disasters and supporting them in difficult
times. This has inspired him to embark on endeavors that
are synonymous with man's highest enterprise, including
projects for learning the Koran by heart and urging
others to adhere to wisdom and fairness in what they do.
It also includes encouraging science and knowledge,
scientific research and invention, in addition to
supporting the rights of Arabs, giving aid to afflicted
persons, standing by what is right, calling for bridging
of gaps and supporting prizes awarded for intellectual
and humanitarian feats. In addition, he has given
momentum to the march of civilization in the UAE in all
fields, dedicated governmental departments to serve the
citizens and supported Arab and Muslim issues with
ardor. As Ahmed Ja'afar said in the Al Ittihad
newspaper, all this has made Sheikh Zayed a symbol of a
universal mode of existence that embodies the mercy and
justice of Islam.
Selected Traits of Sheikh Zayed's Islamic Personality
and Highlights of his Charitable Programs
* He has made Islamic Law the source of legislation in
the United Arab Emirates. This entails that matters
consistent with the Islamic Law be ratified, whereas
those that contradict it be nullified. He has
established Islam as the point of reference in approach
and action, and he has instructed directors and
officials at administrations and institutions,
especially at the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs
and Awqaf (Endowments), and the Ministry of Education
and Youth, which have a significant role in bringing up
and qualifying the new generation, to resort to Islam as
their point of reference.
* His Highness has given support to all Islamic
institutions and organizations as well as the projects
of the Islamic Bank.
* He has financed the construction of dams, schools,
houses and hospitals in all Islamic countries.
* He has ordered the printing of the Holy Koran, having
it translated into various languages and distributing it
at no cost.
* His Highness ordered the establishment of the Zayed
Philanthropic Foundation Establishment in 1994. Since
then, this organization has been providing significant
and substantial charitable services throughout the
world. It is, as it were, a tide of charitable,
humanitarian deeds distinguished by quality,
comprehensiveness and diversity. The objectives and work
of this organization are based on the philosophy of H.H.
Sheikh Zayed, President of the UAE. It would suffice to
point here to what Abdulla Sultan Al Dhahiry, Member of
the Board of Trustees and Director-General of the Zayed
Charity Foundation, said to the Al Bayan newspaper:
"The total cost of projects, carried out by the
Foundation from 1993 to 1997, both inside and outside
the country and in various stages of feasibility study,
implementation and completion, amounts to AED.
219,215,772. (165)
* He has supported the social care and humanitarian aid
programs out of his belief that the human being is the
greatest wealth in life in order to embody what God says
in the Holy Koran: "And indeed We have honored the
children of Adam..."
* He has built mosques throughout the world. In this
respect, it will suffice to mention The Grand Mosque,
about to be completed in Abu Dhabi, which stands out
among mosques in the Islamic world as a unique monument
of civilization. In this year, 1999, His Highness has
ordered more mosques to be constructed in Ras Al Khaimah,
Umm Al Qaiwain, Ajman, and Fujairah. Each mosque will
have a capacity of 1500 worshippers, with a total cost
of AED. 40 million. (166)
* He has given financial support to the Islamic
Solidarity Fund and its Awqaf, the Islamic Development
Bank and the UAE Red Crescent Society, which plays a
significant role inside and outside the UAE by assisting
those affected by disasters, wars and other calamities.
* Under the directions of His Highness the UAE Ministry
of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Awqaf invites Islamic
scholars and religious personalities to give religious
sessions and lectures and to preach during the blessed
month of Ramadan.
* One of the notable aspects of the personality of
Sheikh Zayed is the influence which the sayings, deeds
and personality of the Prophet Mohammed, peace be upon
him, have had on him and the way he utterly follows in
the steps of the Prophet. He is also very much
influenced by his mother, whom he loved very much and in
turn he was her most beloved son. He is impressed by the
great Arab poet Al Mutanabi, whose poetry is full of
heroism, manhood, age-old Arab qualities and wisdom.
(167)
* One of his charitable deeds is the construction of a
mosque adjoining Zayed Childhood Care Center at Al
Khazna with capacity for 200 worshippers at an estimated
cost of AED. 500,000, in addition to the development of
the Zayed Mosque, in the Al Jeemi Area in Al Ain, which
cost AED. 3,500,000.
His important projects include also the
construction of many mosques and support to charity
foundations in the Sultanate of Oman.
In Asia he gave directions to repair and maintain
the Diplomats District Mosque in Delhi and the Golden
Mosque in the Philippines. He has founded Sheikh Zayed
Islamic Studies Center in China and supported its
Islamic printing press. He has also assisted Islamic
Centers in a number of Asian countries. He founded the
Zayed Central Library at Al Manar University in Lebanon
and provided urgent humanitarian aid to victims of
natural disasters in Iran, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan,
Bangladesh and India.
He has financed the construction of a grand mosque
in Kenya, at a total cost of US$3 million, a grand
mosque in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at a cost of US$3
million, the construction and equipping of a hospital in
Zanzibar, Tanzania, and the construction of the Al
Fattir Mosque for Mohammed Ali (Cassius Clay) in Chicago
at a total cost of US$2 million. Furthermore, he has
supported charity establishments in Mauritania, Burundi
and Rwanda.
In Europe, His Highness Sheikh Zayed has ordered
the building of a grand mosque and Islamic center at
Slough in Britain, with a total cost of US$2 million in
addition to the Zayed Mosque Project in Stockholm,
Sweden, at a total cost of US$ 3 million. He has also
participated in the completion of the Girls' complex at
the European College for Islamic Studies in France, and
has supported mosques and Islamic societies and centers
in a number of European cities.
In Australia and New Zealand, His Highness Sheikh
Zayed has ordered the building of the Sheikh Zayed
School in Sydney and the Sheikh Zayed School for Girls
in Auckland
On the occasion of the selection of H.H. Sheikh
Zayed as the Islamic Personality for 1999, H.H. Gen.
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown
Prince and UAE Minister of Defense, recited a beautiful
poem at the tribute ceremony after giving a sincere,
heartfelt speech, in which he said:
"We are very lucky to have Zayed among us. This leader,
the likes of whom is very rare in our time and whose
name shall be engraved on the pages of history, shall be
a source of honor and pride, not only for the UAE
nationals, but for Arabs and Muslims everywhere.
Drawing on wisdom, foresight or rather on all the
qualities of leadership that he possesses, Zayed has
been able to build a modern state which has become a
model to be imitated everywhere and on all levels.
Wherever we turn in this state, we see Zayed's
fingerprints and his benevolence. My joy at his
selection as the Islamic Personality of the Year in the
third session of the Dubai International Holy Koran
Award is beyond words. For this reason, I have preferred
to announce this award by myself because he represents
to me an exemplar, an ideal, a leader and a father. The
tribute paid to Sheikh Zayed, may God protect him, is a
tribute paid to his people and nation. Today, we honour
genuine qualities, firm stances and unlimited support
for the issues that concern the nation."
The poem reads as follows:
This poem is dedicated to H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan
Al Nahyan, may God protect him, on the occasion of his
selection as the Islamic Personality of 1999. It was
composed by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai
Crown Prince when he went to perform Umra. He
circumambulated the Ka'aba, drank from the water of the
ZamZam well and when heard the call for prayer at the
Holy Ka'aba, his heart throbbed and he started a prayer
addressed to God the Greatest, for two of the most
beloved persons to his soul, his parent Sheikh Rashid
and his spiritual father Sheikh Zayed, and to the latter
he owes a great deal and considers him his only
spiritual ideal. To him Zayed is irreplaceable and as
dear as sight. His love for Zayed is his lifeblood.
Zayed is all people so far as the poet is concerned, and
the poet is prepared to sacrifice his life and children
for Zayed's sake because Zayed is worthy of such a
sacrifice. This is so because Zayed provides refuge to
all people from near and far, and people who live under
his auspices live a happy life since he is not subject
to whims. Rather, he is a noble man whose attributes are
honesty, benevolence and charity. He is the one who has
unified the country and the one who promotes Arab Unity.
He is the one who has said that oil is not dearer than
Arab blood. Sheikh Zayed is a gift from God to his
family and people.
The poet Hamad Bin Khalifa Bu Shuhab recited a poem
titled "The Dearest Prize" on this occasion, in which he
says:
"This poem is dedicated to H.H. Sheikh Zayed Bin
Sultan Al Nahyan on the occasion of his selection as the
Islamic Personality of the Year on 20 Ramadan 1420 AH."
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