Sheikh Zayed's death is commemorated

Top scholars and dignitaries gather in the Grand Mosque to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the death of the country's founder, Sheikh Zayed.

ABU DHABI // Top scholars and dignitaries gathered in the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque yesterday to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the death of the country's founder, Sheikh Zayed. The event, hosted by the General Authority for Islamic Affairs and Endowments (AWQAF), began after the taraweeh prayers in the evening. Many in attendance were part of the "Guests of the Nation" delegation, an annual roster of Islamic scholars from around the world who deliver their latest research and lectures to local audiences at mosques and other venues.

"As this occasion comes to pass, it is our patriotic and moral duty to give the due right of loyalty and recognition to the founder of this nation, its unity and renaissance. He continues to lead us today," said a statement from Dr Hamdan Muslim al Mazrouei, head of AWQAF. Sheikh Zayed is the founding President of the United Arab Emirates, which declared itself an independent state made up of six emirates in 1971.

The seventh emirate, Ras al Khaimah, joined in 1972. Yesterday's commemoration is based on the Islamic calendar, as Sheikh Zayed passed away on the 19th day of Ramdan. He was 86 years of age. [e-mail]