Thousands say farewell to departed leader

Umm Al Quwain: Thousands of residents, Emiratis and Gulf officials gathered at Al Ras Mosque in Umm Al Quwain yesterday to pay their final respects to and offer prayers for Shaikh Rashid Bin Ahmad Al Mualla, who passed away in London on Friday.

There was silence in the streets of the emirate as shops closed and male residents converged on one of Umm Al Quwain's main mosques, said to be one of the oldest in the area.

People from all nationalities and walks of life packed the modest white building by the shore of the Arabian Gulf to say their final goodbye to the former ruler.

Nationals and residents alike spoke fondly of Shaikh Rashid.

Nostalgia

An Egyptian teacher, Jamal, who has spent 20 years in Umm Al Quwain, spoke with nostalgia about the times he met the ruler.

"I met him a couple of times in his younger days and later. We used to visit him on religious occasions. He was always keen to meet with and say a couple of words to visitors," Jamal said.

"There was no question about coming here for me. I used to meet him at times of happiness, and am here to pay respects at a time of sadness."

Sitting beside him was his nephew, Lo'ai, who has only been in Umm Al Quwain for a year.

"The reason I decided to come was because of all the good things I heard about him, despite never having met him. That alone is enough for me to be here," Lo'ai said.

Towards the back of the mosque sat a Bangladeshi shopkeeper, Saifuddin.

"Normally, on a Saturday I'd be sitting in my shop and business would be good. But today, shops are closed and I felt the need to come and pay my respects," he said.

The mosque was filled to capacity and many worshippers had to pray away the carpet by using their head pieces [ghutras] as makeshift prayer mats.

Government officials, uniformed military men, police officers and residents stood together for the short prayer before heading to Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla's palace to offer condolences to the family.

An elderly Emirati man who required support to walk said he insisted that his son bring him to the funeral prayers.

"I saw the shaikh when he was young and saw him as he grew. I had to come here and pray for him," he said.