Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani .. in the Gardens of Paradise
The news of the passing of the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Amir al-Walid, at the age of 74, shook me as it intensified. His death came as a surprise to us, for we had not heard from Qatar that the late Emir was suffering from any ailments; he was always preoccupied with national issues and his responsibilities in ensuring security for the nation’s progress. It is the will of the Creator, and there is no resisting His decree.
I came to know the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa when he served as Minister of Defense. I drew close to him, listening attentively to his observations regarding meetings of defense ministers within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The first entry in my notes highlighted the necessity of affirming good intentions and addressing them bilaterally between the concerned parties. This was his advice, and he was clear in his view that the GCC gains strength when member states overcome any differences, if they exist, and maintain their stance and insistence on achieving acceptable solutions that confirm the Council’s success. He also presented to me the border issue as a knot that hinders the GCC’s ability to move forward. I did not delve into the details of his perspective, as his insistence on the damaging impact of border disputes on the Council’s efforts was evident.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa’s priority was insisting on a medical solution to the persistent border knot that was obstructing the path of openness and progress. Despite this challenge, which he saw as potentially hindering the GCC, he continued to comment on the “Charter of Aspirations,” which he deemed essential for building a solid foundation for the GCC’s future. He repeatedly emphasized the importance of frankness and clarity in bilateral relations among GCC member states, stressing that the unity of their work must be grounded in honesty and candor. Furthermore, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa often reiterated that collective success is required, but it cannot be achieved without strong trust and respect among member states.
Despite this preamble and introduction, which should adorn the Council’s path of work, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa continued to pose questions about Kuwait, with a degree of praise for its broad-mindedness toward the political turbulence occurring within it. From this beginning, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa remained devoted to his interest in Kuwait; his inquiries about Kuwaiti affairs and its vibrant media never ceased. Fortunately, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa possessed a constant light-heartedness, a pleasant cheerful spirit, and a princely simplicity that combined polished seriousness with the gentleness of princes and enduring feelings of brotherhood.
During my tenure at the GCC, and through the privilege of communication and participation in defense conferences, Gulf summits, and repeated visits, I witnessed the extent of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa’s concern for Qatar’s future aspirations. I have no doubt that the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa conveyed Qatar’s concerns in all his actions and worked to select the best approaches to handle its ambitions. There is no dispute that he succeeded in achieving some of what he desired for Qatar when he became Amir, bearing the responsibilities of leadership and actively exercising his duties to elevate Qatar to the status and achievements he envisioned.
The last point I deem necessary to mention on this sad occasion is my admiration for his ability to implement decisions that he believed would bring greater reassurance regarding Qatar’s future and further enhance the brilliance and joy of the image Qatar projects to the world. He opened Qatar’s doors to benefit from global political, economic, educational, and cultural institutions, transforming them into a permanent venue for intellectual and political meetings and all humanitarian endeavors. He dedicated himself to overseeing general affairs in Qatar across its political, economic, and intellectual dimensions, relinquishing the obligations of governance to become an observer of Qatar’s movements and an influential contributor to its life.
From my observations, both the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad and his son, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa, insisted on securing an appropriate position for Qatar within the GCC’s trajectory, and that its contribution be recognized clearly for what it provides. There is no dispute that this aligns with everyone’s rights; there is no ambiguity in the Council’s path, and all its files are open. Citizens of GCC member states also participate in the Council’s presence through the Doha Forum, held annually in the capital, which brings together thinkers and media figures from various countries around the world, including GCC states, of which I am one.
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa entered Doha, where doors open for global intellectual discussions covering the problems and priorities preoccupying the world’s population. Participants and specialists from various countries attend, proposing possible solutions while monitoring what the world’s population offers to address these issues. Qatar also succeeded in hosting meetings that unite Islamic countries, and expanded its reach in conveying its intellectual and humanitarian message to the global arena through its television channels, which diversified their programs but remained committed to the goals and values it sought.
May Allah have mercy on Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and place him in the best corners of Paradise. Every soul shall taste death. To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return. My sincere condolences go to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to the children of the late Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, and to the noble family. One note remains: Undoubtedly, under the leadership of Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar pursues everything that benefits its people, its nation, and its humanitarian mission. All of this continues alongside the historical recognition of the size and diversity of the legacy left by both the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al Thani and Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Everyone follows the contributions of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, may Allah grant him long life. Condolences are extended to all Qataris, wherever they may be, and to everyone who knew Sheikh Hamad and understood the magnitude of his ambitions. To Allah we belong and to Him we shall return.
Abdullah Basharah
