Sheikh Zayed the perfect example for good deeds

Sheikh Zayed, the founding President of the UAE, offered a perfect example in prioritising good deeds during Ramadan, this week's Friday sermon tells worshippers.

Sheikh Zayed, the founding President of the UAE, offered a perfect example in prioritising good deeds during Ramadan, today's sermon tells worshippers.

"No sooner had he assumed the leadership than he initiated a process of giving and benevolence, and he put this at the cornerstone of the UAE's history," says the sermon.

"One of the most important virtues and exploits of the late Sheikh Zayed was his keen interest in people," it continues. "He devoted the country's resources to building human capital. Emiratis have obtained highest scientific degrees."

Sheikh Zayed was also keen on raising religious awareness and established Quran reciting centres in accordance with the saying by Prophet Mohammed: "The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it."

He also encouraged the building of mosques, and was always at the forefront monitoring every step of their construction.

"Once a mosque was built, he used to pray there, asking forgiveness and seeking Allah's satisfaction," says the sermon.

Those mosques now host many religious lectures, especially during Ramadan, which are presented by prominent scholars from all over the world. Such lectures benefit the community by imparting the scholars' knowledge and experience.

A hadith by the Prophet Mohammed highlights the blessings of those, like Sheikh Zayed, who do good: "Indeed from amongst the people are those who are keys to goodness and closures of evil. And indeed from among the people are keys to evil and closures to goodness. So glad tidings for the one who Allah has made him a key to goodness."