HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani and HH the Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received at the Emiri Diwan yesterday sheikhs, citizens and officers of the armed forces and the police, who came to swear allegiance to HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani on the occasion of taking the reins of power.
‘Time has come to open a new page in the history of our nation’
In an address to the nation yesterday morning, outgoing Emir HH Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani expressed full confidence that HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is up to the responsibility, deserving the confidence, capable of shouldering the responsibility and fulfilling the mission.
Following is the unofficial transcript of HH Sheikh Hamad’s speech:
The honorable Qatari people, my fellow countrymen and women, my beloved citizens, may God’s peace and blessings be upon you.
I address you today as we are ushering in a new era in the history of our homeland.
I wished to address you first as you are the owners of this blessed land; its guards; the builders of its prosperity; and the architects of its future.
My fellow countrymen and women, this has always been the faith occupying my heart; filling my thoughts as I grew up on the land of our beloved homeland of Qatar; and since I shouldered my responsibilities serving the homeland and the people.
God Almighty is aware that I had not desired power for the sake of power, nor endeavoured to rule for personal motives. Yet it has always been the nation’s interest; and that interest has dictated that we lead through a new chapter.
The time has come to open a new page in the history of our nation, where a new generation steps forward to shoulder the responsibility with their dynamic potential and creative thoughts.
Our young men have proven over the past years that they are a people of resolve and fortitude; capable of accommodating the spirit of their time; realising its necessities fully and profoundly, coping with its newest and above all contributing by their original thinking and creative initiatives.
I recall the words of the fourth Caliph, Ali bin Abi Taleb, May Allah be pleased with him, who said: ‘Teach your children other than that what you were taught; as they are created for a time other than yours’.
You, our children, are the treasure of this homeland; builders of its present and bearers of its future. We have always thought well of you; pinning hopes on you; and you by virtue of your genuine eagerness and sincere achievements have proven to be deserving to lead and take our confidence.
My fellow Qataris, as I move to another position in serving my homeland and its people, I hope I have succeeded in bearing responsibility in a way that first pleases God and in a way that lives up to people’s expectations.
In areas where I have excelled, it is only because of God’s guidance and in areas where I have done wrong, it is my own doing, and I hope people who bear responsibility after me learn from that.
I address you today to inform you that I will transfer power to Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. I am fully confident that he is qualified for the responsibility and is trustworthy and able to carry the message forward. I am fully certain that you will be his support as you have always been mine; simply for the reason that in our nation run deep between the ruler and his people pledges of alliance, deep solidarity and profound originality, cemented by our deep-rooted traditions and glorious history.
The future is ahead of you as you move into a new reign where a young leadership holds up the banner. (This leadership) puts the ambition of the coming generation as a priority and works relentlessly to make that happen with the help of God and the sons of this nation and armed with experience which they have gathered in governance, in running the affairs of this country and deep understanding of our area and the Arab world in particular.
Although I am confident that you are qualified for bearing this responsibility, I advise you to be fearful of God, be of knowledge and work hard. Knowledge should be the light that guides your path and assist you in the creating the best future for this nation.
It is knowledge that produces generations that are able to bear responsibility and it is knowledge that helps them take the right path. Hard and faithful work should be your habit in order to serve the nation. Steer away from complacency, lethargy and indolence, for the present and future generations are only built with effort and hard work of their people. (Nations) are only shielded against the ambitions of others and protected from dangers through sweat and sacrifice.
As I am confident that you are fully aware of your loyalty and of your Arab and Muslim identity, I urge you to preserve our civilised traditional and cultural values originating from our religion, Arab identity and above all our humanity; as we believe that the Arab World is one human body, one coherent structure. It prospers if all its parts are prosperous.
I also urge you to hold steadfast to virtues and rightfulness, no matter what or who days bring along; and God Almighty rightly said in His Holy Scripture: ‘If they had (only) remained on the (right) path, We should certainly have bestowed on them rain in abundance.’ ”