By: Mahjoub Fadl Badri
The late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may Allah have mercy on him, fulfilled a vow he made after recovering from an ailment that had afflicted him. The vow was to dig a thousand wells across Africa, as there is no greater reward than providing water. Sudan received four of these wells, thanks to the late Kamal Al-Tilb, a lawyer who worked with the Sheikh Zayed Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation.
We in the Supreme National Committee for the Al-Tahadi Road Project (linking Jili, Shendi, Atbara, and Haya) were granted one of these wells. After careful study, we selected an area on the road between Atbara and Haya called Shidyab. The Director of Sudan Railways, Engineer Omar Mohammed Nour, transported a cistern from the Masmar station for this project. Additionally, a mosque and a health center were built in Argo, which had suffered from floods. The head of the Sheikh Zayed Organization attended the inauguration ceremony and was briefed by Sheikh Al-Tayyib Suleiman, the committee chairman.
During the briefing, Sheikh Al-Tayyib used the term “cistern” , which seemed to bewilder the head of the organization, who interrupted, saying, “Cistern? What’s that? Just call it a tank.” Sheikh Al-Tayyib explained the meaning, but I intervened to clarify further, pointing out that “cistern” is a more eloquent term than “tank,” as the latter originally refers to decayed meat in classical Arabic. The guest exclaimed in surprise, “Amazing!”
This incident illustrates how Sheikh Zayed’s successors have strayed from his legacy. They have replaced charity with parades, water wells with missiles, and kindness with aggression. Instead of sending us scholars and humanitarian aid, they have sent mercenaries.
The Sheikh Zayed Organization, founded in 1992, has undertaken countless charitable and humanitarian projects in Africa. These include initiatives in education, health, well-digging, mosque-building, and more—actions for which we pray Allah accepts and forgives Sheikh Zayed. But one must ask: Why are his sons not following in his footsteps?
We must also remember to thank Sheikh Zayed for his trust in Sudan’s Military Academy, where his sons were trained. Yet, these very sons now target us with Kornet missiles! We also thank them for the “gifts” of weapons and equipment captured by our brave armed forces and allies at the terrorist militia base in Zurq. These were bought with the blood of our martyrs and wounded.
To the sons of Zayed, our army and people say:
“No thanks to you, and may God not bless your actions. Sons of Zayed, beware! Our resolve is unyielding.”
As Allah Almighty said:
> “Fight them until there is no more persecution, and religion belongs entirely to Allah. But if they cease, then there is no aggression except against the oppressors.” (Quran 2:193)
Victory to our brave armed forces.
Pride and resilience to our fighting people.
Disgrace and shame to our enemies and their collaborators.
Victory is only from Allah.
Allah is Greatest, and may the eyes of cowards never rest.