Bahrain renames mosque in memory of UAE’s fallen hero

The chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Bahrain says this would be a way to lionise the death of Emirati hero Tariq Mohammed Al Shehi Mosque.

Based on orders from the Kingdom of Bahrain, a mosque in Zayed Town in Bahrain will be renamed in honour of Emirati officer FIrst Lt Tariq Al Shehi. Wam

ABU DHABI // A mosque in Bahrain is to be renamed after Tariq Al Shehi, the Emirati officer killed in the line of duty in Daih, near Manama, earlier this week.

The ceremony to announce the First Lieutenant Tariq Mohammed Al Shehi Mosque, in Madinat Zayed, took place yesterday, the state news agency Wam reported.

According to Sheikh Abdullah bin Khalid Al Khalifa, chairman of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs of Bahrain, this would be a way to lionise the death of the Emirati martyr.

“In this blessed day, we witness a house of God’s many houses that will be named in the Martyr Tariq Al Shehi, in Madinat Zayed,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

A Ras Al Khaimah native, Lt Al Shehi will also have a street in the emirate he was born and raised in named after him, it was announced yesterday. The street will be in Shaam, the birthplace of Lt Al Shehi, and was ordered by the Ruler of RAK, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi.

“We will always remember our sons who sacrificed their lives to defend the right, protect innocents and help brothers, who were loyal to their homeland, and set an example for bravery, courage and sacrifice,” said Sheikh Saud. “The UAE sons are convinced of their national duty, reflecting a bright image of loyalty to their homeland and allegiance to their wise leadership, undeterred by any danger or terrorism regardless of its forms and manifestations.”

The “late Al Shehi had sacrificed his life in defence of the security and stability of the Kingdom of Bahrain and enhancement of the joint GCC security”, Wam reported Sheikh Saud as saying.

A funeral for the 41-year-old father of four was held on Monday in Shaam and was attended by more than 500 mourners. Among those who paid their condolences to the fallen officer was Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, the Ruler of RAK and Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, the National Security Adviser.

The officer was killed alongside two officers from Bahrain's security forces after an improvised bomb exploded during an attempt by police to disperse Shiite protestors.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, the Crown Prince of RAK, was one of several dignitaries to visit Lt Al Shehi’s family. During the visit, Sheikh Mohammed prayed for Lt Al Shehi and spoke to various family members.

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, also paid his respects by paying a visit to Lt Al Shehi’s family. Sheikh Hamdan applauded the officer for the sacrifices made for the sake of his country, duty and honour. He also offered his condolences to the fallen officer’s sons and other relatives.

Sheikh Hamdan was joined by various officials including Mohammed Al Gargawi, the Minister for Cabinet Affairs, and Khalifa Suleiman, the director general of the Department of Protocol and Hospitality in Dubai.