Sheikh Zayed, a great visionary

"....Our predecessors did not enjoy our capabilities and resources but were still better off while we suffer on account of our shortcomings. Today we don't adhere to the true teachings of Islam, which are based on principles of solidarity, abandonment of differences and resolution of conflicts by goodwill, frankness and tolerance."
The above quotation by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan al Nahyan succinctly portrays the late President's ideology both as a great visionary as well as on invaluable member of the Muslim Ummah. Eulogies as a rule are inclined towards superlatives and sentimental exaggerations.
However as I sit down to pen a simple tribute to this great leader a fitting recognition for his life's achievements, I realise that he is one who rightfully deserves a fitting recognition for his unmatched services to the cause of the Muslim Ummah which will have enduring payoffs for many generations to come. This is perhaps his greatest contribution.
It would not be insincere to say that the late Sheikh Zayed was born for greatness. As such people are, he was on inordinate visionary with a firm sense of pragmatism and an intense desire to serve his people and enhance the quality of their life.
This is in perfect consonance with the teachings of Islam which enjoin all those in positions of power and influence to realise that they are Allah's chosen conduit for spreading welfare and prosperity amongst His erections.
The region which is the present day UAE, was always a treasure hold of almost inexhaustible supplies of oil and gas. However till 1966, when Sheikh Zayed formally assumed power, Abu Dhabi and the rest of the emirate were mere fledgling towns in a harsh and unrelenting landscape constituting the seven Trucial States under the British hegemony. Despite all their gifts of natural resources, the people of this region were poor and uneducated and the economy depended mainly on subsistence farming and pearl harvesting. This too suffered a setback in the 1930s when Japanese technology created the cultured pearl doing away with the demand for the natural Gulf pearls.
In 1966 Sheikh Zayed formally took over power from his elder brother as ruler of Abu Dhabi.
The Arab world doesn't need to be guided by any nation. We accept the technological and the professional advantages of the Western society but we do not believe in imitating their lifestyle. In fact we are seeking a middle path and a reasonable solution between the Islamic heritage and the modern world. Islam is a civilised religion and guarantees man his dignity and value and guides him to organise the political, economic, and social life of society.
This adequately surmises the admirably pragmatic vision that Sheikh Zayed had for his country, a vision which culminated into a successful mission. Even as a young man the late President had fond yearning for transforming the land of his birth from a barren wasteland to a verdant and prosperous economy. And this he did despite obstacles stemming from the devastation of the Second World War coupled with a host of indigenous challenges.
Sheikh Zayed possessed a keen political acumen and realised early on that success for the Arabian Gulf lay in unity of all its states. So when the British announced their plans to vacate the emirates in 1968, Sheikh Zayed wasted no time in initiating efforts to bring all the emirates closer together. Sheikh Zayed believed that together these backward Arab states had the potential to evolve into a global force to be reckoned with. Sheikh Zayed realised the synergistic capabilities that could be achieved with unity since all states were actually part of the same family with similar values and beliefs. So forward looking was his idea at that time that it invited mockery and criticism from many. However this did not deter this leader who tenaciously dealt with all challenges till his effort culminated into the United Arab Emirates.
'.....dreaming about our land catching up with the modern world.........I was sure however that one day they would come true....'
Under his leadership the United Arab Emirates evolved into a dominant, progressive and vibrant federation impacting global trends and issues. Sheikh Zayed's economic prowess was no secret. He knew that mere dependence on natural resources would not guarantee the UAE sustaining livelihood. Consequently he spurred forward other economic initiatives such as banking, information technology, steel and pharmaceuticals to name a few. Alongside this investments were also made in supporting infrastructure to the extent that today UAE is perhaps the only region with this king of enduring, hitech and futuristic infrastructure capability.
'.... as rulers have to work for the interest of the entire people of our country.'
As a true Khalifa of his people as enjoined in Islam Sheikh Zayed brought true prosperity to his people and shared with them the wealth of his state. This is a commendable trait in any leader who honestly dispenses to his subjects what they rightfully deserve. His ultimate aim was the eradication of poverty from his country and he was always mindful of his duties as a responsible leader in this regard.
Sheikh Zayed's contribution to the development of the social sector as momentous. Of a kind, noble and charitable disposition he single-handedly brought about an Islamic social revolution in the UAE which is a model for an aspiring nation with similar objectives. Under his wing education, health care, women's rights, equality and social justice soared to new heights. Unemployment was dealt with severely and suitable opportunities were created for all deserving people. The surprising and moving extent of this great leader's concern for his people is evident in the Marriage Fund that he created. This fund bequeaths DH 70000 to all UAE women who marry UAE men. This was undertaken to ensure that all UAE women made suitable matches especially with the rising trend of UAE men marrying foreigners.
Sheikh Zayed's magnanimity extended to other Muslim countries as well and Pakistan was always fortunate in this regard. He was always clear in warmth for Pakistan as a brotherly Islamic country and aided the Pakistani cause whenever possible.
He will always be remembered for coming to Pakistan's help in the aftermath of the 1965 and 1971 wars which wreaked substantial damage on the country. On the economic front Sheikh Zayed extended generous opportunities for employment for Pakistanis in the UAE and also invested in the development of indigenous Pakistani infrastructure and institutional reform. Pakistani schools, hospitals and other charities, continued to benefit generously from him till his unfortunate demise this month. With his death Pakistan has irreparably lost a sincere well wisher and mentor whose absence with be sorely missed.
In fact Sheikh Zayed's passing away has left a deep void on the fabric of the entire Muslim Ummah which till now drew strength and security from this benevolent and fatherly leader. May Allah Subhanahu grant him place and station of supreme felicity in heaven and give his family, the government of UAE, and the entire Muslim Ummah to bear this loss with fortitude.