Farewell … Amir of asceticism and justice

16/12/2023

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The late Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad was not an ordinary person. He was renowned for his integrity and his asceticism, and for always working for the good of his people. The late Amir was characterized by humility in all the positions he held and dealt with the people as one of them.

His defense of the oppressed was based on the principle that justice is one of the pillars of Kuwait’s strength. That is why his short reign was full of achievements, starting with national reconciliation, all the way to amnesty until he became its patron. I have known Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad for decades, and I always saw in his personality his love for his people and his family.

He would not accept one’s burden to be borne by another. His decisions were always measured on a fair scale so as not to oppress anyone. It is difficult to know where to begin when it comes to speaking about the impact of this man, be it his keenness for development when he was governor, or his dedication to maintaining security and his pursuit of upholding the stability of the country when he served as the Minister of Interior, as well as his endeavor to serve the people of Kuwait when he was Minister of Social Affairs and Labor, or when he was in the Ministry of Defense.

The late Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad is a model of patriotic giving. He worked conscientiously and hated hypocrisy and double standards. That is why hearts were eager to pray for him when he suffered a health setback. Today, we are praying for mercy for his soul, and for Almighty Allah to grant him paradise and great reward for his service to his people in Kuwait and the Arab nation.

This man of faith worked throughout his life to ensure that charity work would be continuous and permanent. He ensured that mercy is the basis of all philanthropic activities because of his conviction that a person’s life is written by his deeds. The eyes shed tears and the heart grieves, but we only say what pleases Allah, “To Allah, we belong and to Him, we shall return.”

O Almighty Allah, forgive the shortcomings of your servant Nawaf Al-Ahmad. Have mercy on his soul and grant Paradise as his final abode. Indeed, Kuwait today is saddened by the passing of its ascetic Amir, but it undoubtedly looks forward to his successor His Highness the Amir Mishal Al-Ahmad, whom it sees as the best successor to the best predecessor.