Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday joined other faithful to observe Jummah prayers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), during which they prayed for the repose of the soul of the late UAE President, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The President, according to a release issued by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, attended the Friday prayers at Sheikh Sultan Bin Zayed Mosque, The First Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
Buhari was accompanied by members of the Nigerian delegation, who are on condolence/congratulatory visit to the Middle East country, following the death of Sheikh Khalifa and the subsequent election of his successor, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In a sermon titled: ‘‘Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the loss of the Nation’’, read at all the Friday Mosques across the country, the Chief Imam of the mosque, Sheikh Ali Alhamoudi, expressed gratitude to God for the life and legacies of the late President.
He described the late President as a forerunner in charitable works and humanitarian initiatives, saying, through his efforts numerous mosques and hospitals were built, schools and universities founded, while cities and institutions were also established.
Sheikh Ali Alhamoudi said: ”Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed (may Allah have mercy on him) was always close to the people with his excellent morals and character. He was well-known among them for his praiseworthy qualities in this regard, and our prophet said ‘the dearest and the closest of you to me on the Day of Resurrection will be those who are the best in character.’”
The Imam said Sheikh Khalifa promoted the principles of justice in the UAE, so that all within the country could live within it in peace and equality, regardless of their religions and nationalities.
On the new leadership, the cleric said Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was chosen by the Emirates and its rulers, its Sheikhs and its people, bearing the great trust of the nation and the great responsibility to lead the UAE towards global leadership.
Prayers were also offered for the success of the new President, the Vice-President, the Crown Prince and his brothers, and the Rulers of the Emirates.
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