“And give good tidings to the patient, who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return. “Al-Baqarah: 154-156

“And it is not [possible] for one to die except by permission of Allah at a decree determined. And whoever desires the reward of this world – We will give him thereof; and whoever desires the reward of the Hereafter – We will give him thereof. And we will reward the grateful.” Aal-Imran: 145

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy received the news of the passing of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, to his Lord today, Friday, 12 Shawwal 1443, corresponding to May 13, 2022, with hearts filled with absolute faith in Allah’s decree and predestination and souls submitted to His will and His inevitable fate.

On this sad occasion, the International Islamic Fiqh Academy’s Presidency, General Secretariat, members, experts, and staff offer their sincere condolences to the government and people of the United Arab Emirates, praying to the Noble Lord to have mercy on the deceased, to forgive him, to accept him in the heavens, to welcome him in his vast gardens, and to reunite him with those whom Allah has blessed among the prophets, the truthful, the martyrs, and the righteous. Indeed, these are the best companions.

We ask the Almighty to grant His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates, Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Governor of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and all the relatives, friends, and loved ones of the deceased, as well as his admirers, the Emirati people, and the Ummah, patience, consolation, and satisfaction with the decree of Most Merciful.

The International Islamic Fiqh Academy will be eternally thankful to His Highness for the Academy’s kind care and ongoing support from the United Arab Emirates. May Allah the Almighty sustain its security, stability, and prosperity, and protect its authorities and people.

May Allah multiply your rewards, forgive your loss and comfort you in the greatest manner possible.

To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.

Prof. Koutoub Moustapha Sano

Secretary General of the International Islamic Fiqh Academy

Jeddah