By Dr. Ghanima Mohammed Al-Othman Al-Haider
When you are abroad, far from home, fear shakes you deeply when you hear troubling news of something happening in your country. There are many loyal to their homeland. This Monday evening feels heavy. It is six o’clock in busy London, whose streets and shops are crowded with people seizing the last opportunity to buy at tempting post-Christmas prices.
Lights fill the streets, their designs attracting tourists and visitors. Everyone takes photographs to send loved ones a memory of one year ending and another beginning. God willing, the coming year will bring safety to our bodies and homelands. Yet there is a sad tear in the eyes of people I love, faces holding back pain, and lips praying to God that smiles replace tears on this sorrowful evening for loyal Qataris. I was among them when we heard what had happened to Sheikh Hamad Al Thani, father of Sheikh Tamim. May God grant father, son, and their noble family abundant health and well-being.
How beautiful was their loyalty to Sheikh Hamad, may he live long, as they spoke of his humility, love for his faithful people, fatherly care for young and old, and countless generous acts toward those seeking his help. My friend Fawzia’s tear made me cry inside. Just as he was their emir, may God extend his life, he is our emir’s brother, and our sorrow is shared. What makes Qatar happy makes us happy; what troubles them troubles us. May this illness be a purification, God willing. In the blink of an eye, God can change his condition for the better. Hands are raised in prayer, foreheads bow in supplication, and sorrowful tears will become joyful, for God does not disappoint those who call upon Him.
My dear, loyal people of Qatar: God loves the servant who persists in prayer, so pray insistently for Sheikh Hamad. May God prolong his life, remove his affliction, and gladden his family and country with his recovery. It is past midnight, and I could not close my eyes until my fingers had written a small expression of my love for Qatar’s devoted people and their love for a leader and father who planted loyalty and affection. He will reap their prayers for health, a long life, and every wish that brings happiness to Qatar, its people, and those who love it. I offer prayers as numerous as raindrops, leaves, and human breaths that God hasten your recovery and gladden us with your safety.
All my love to the people of Qatar and the Gulf. Continue praying for the recovery of the father and leader, Sheikh Hamad. Flags of joy will rise, and Qatar will shine with lights more beautiful than any others because they come from hearts that loved, prayed, and rejoiced at their leader’s recovery. Hope for goodness. I will join you in Qatar, land of loyal and generous people, congratulating myself on the recovery of one we love and for whom we pray for long life, health, well-being, and happiness. God does not disappoint those who pray and hope in Him.
O God, gladden the heart of Sheikha Moza, Sheikh Hamad’s wife, and grant her and her loved ones reassurance. She is the right hand behind so much beauty and cultural, educational, and civilizational creativity. She inspires optimism and hope for every undertaking that raises Qatar’s standing. She gives in humanitarian arenas, a compassionate heart working tirelessly and quietly to advance her country. May God gladden your heart and those of your loved ones with your life companion’s recovery.