UAE Friday sermon: A tribute to the Armed Forces

On Friday, imams will pay tribute to the Armed Forces, recognising the importance of strength as a fundamental pillar in building the nation.

Imams will today pay tribute to the military on Friday, as the UAE marks the anniversary of the Armed Forces’ unification.

The UAE leadership established the Armed Forces “recognising the importance of strength as a fundamental pillar in building the nation, protecting its accomplishments and preserving its stability”, worshippers will hear.

“Truly, our soldiers are assuming an elite task and, by Allah’s grace, their recompense shall be great,” the sermon says.

“Their reward will commensurate with the degree of risk they take.”

Prophet Mohammed stressed the unique status of safeguarding the homeland when he said, “Shall I tell you about a night that is better than Laylat Al Qadr [the night of Decree]? [It is when] a guard who is on watch in a fearful place and who perhaps may not return to his family.

“No wonder then they attain such a gracious reward because they face difficult situations and severe ordeals. They put their lives in dangerous risk in the way of safeguarding their nation’s stability and security.

“They work hard so that their people cherish comfort and stay up all night so that others can sleep [peacefully].”

The imam quotes the Prophet saying: “If a person is wounded in the way of Allah, he will come on the Day of Resurrection with his wound in the same condition as it was on the day when he received it; its colour will be the colour of blood but its smell will be the smell of musk.”

Those who have attained the honour of martyrdom will have the good tidings of eternal abode in Paradise, according to the sermon.

About them, Allah, the Most Exalted says: “And those who are killed in the cause of Allah – never will He waste their deeds. He will guide them and amend their condition, and admit them to Paradise, which He has made known to them.” (Mohammed: 4-6).”

The UAE Armed Forces have become a role model in the region and worldwide, the sermon says.

“Truly, our Armed Forces are a defending force that protects the homeland, preserves its achievements, restores hope and raises the UAE flag fluttering high in the sky,” the sermon says.