Opinion
The Armed Forces in the Heart of the Great Sudanese People
By: Abu Bakr Al-Sharif Al-Tijani
In the name of Allah, we begin, and by following our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), we take guidance.
Advice is a significant matter, accepted only by a person of great character. A wise man was once asked, “Why do you not offer advice in these turbulent times?” The wise man smiled briefly, then said, “Giving advice in such times is like removing a tick from the eye of a viper.”
People were puzzled by his words, so he explained:
“A tick is a small insect that clings to the ears of cattle or other animals, feeding on their blood until it causes fatigue and fever. A viper, on the other hand, is a venomous snake. Who would dare to extend their hand to the viper’s eye to remove the tick, knowing they risk being bitten and poisoned?”
The wise man then laughed loudly, an unusual act for someone of wisdom and reason, and added, “Advice has left no ally for us on this earth. Every person we tried to advise has turned into an adversary, so we left them to time, the best teacher and advisor.”
The Hostility of Politicians Toward the Armed Forces
This is the state of some politicians who harbor neither genuine loyalty nor a heartfelt connection to the Armed Forces. Due to their delusions and limited vision, influenced by Western ideologies, they perpetuate the notion that the military is an enemy of democracy and civilian governance.
They claim that military personnel lack understanding of political life and insist on removing them from power, sending them back to their barracks to guard borders, while ridiculing their competence. Yet, they forget that Napoleon, the father of modern military sciences in the West, was a highly intelligent military and political leader.
I wonder, where did these so-called political activists and half-educated individuals come from? When you attempt to engage them with wisdom and advice, they openly antagonize you.
To me, their condition is akin to that of a viper with a tick in its eye—blinded by ignorance and political naivety. Like the venomous snake, they aim to inject their poison into the pure blood of the Armed Forces, which has been shed to protect the sacred soil of this great Sudan.
In truth, this blatant hostility from some political activists toward the military is more of a phobia than a mere difference in opinion. Where did they acquire such animosity? Is it a political “fashion trend” adopted by these activists and semi-educated individuals?
If we are to imitate the West in democracy and civilian governance, we must first rise to the level of their achievements, making these ideals a genuine reason for their progress. However, it is a delusion to claim that the military is the cause of our backwardness and destruction. This misconception is a seed planted by the West in the minds of half-educated individuals and political activists.
The Armed Forces and the Value of the State
The reality is that a state is built on the foundation of military strength. A powerful army is the shield that protects it. Even the greatest nations, which established democracy and civilian governance, are nothing without their armies, soldiers, and weapons.
The state embodies authority, power, prestige, and the military. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) praised Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), the commander and founder of Islamic armies and conquests, saying:
“The most merciful of my nation is Abu Bakr, and the strongest in upholding Allah’s religion is Umar.”
What is the strength that Allah placed in Umar’s heart? It was his resolute leadership, fortitude, and the preparation of armies. His famous statement, “I love a man who, when he speaks, is listened to; when he walks, he strides quickly; and when he strikes, he delivers a powerful blow,” reflects his qualities.
Do we find such traits in democracy or civilian governance? Certainly not. These qualities are evident in the strength and resilience of Umar, under whose leadership Islam spread, the Persian and Roman Empires were conquered, and justice was established.
The Armed Forces in the Heart of the Sudanese People
Between the Sudanese people and their valiant Armed Forces lies a deep-rooted national bond and passion. This connection was forged long before Sudan’s independence, during the establishment of the Sudan Defense Force.
When Sudan gained independence and its flag was raised high, the bond grew stronger. Families proudly sent their sons to military academies, viewing it as an honor to have their children molded in the factory of heroes and valor.
The sight of military parades, the resonant melodies of military bands, and the thunderous chants of soldiers evoke pride and patriotism in every Sudanese heart.
The presence of the Republican Guard standing in silent grandeur at the gates of the presidential palace, with ostrich feathers adorning their helmets and the emblem of the “Secretary Bird” perched high, symbolizes the nation’s dignity and pride.
Conclusion
The Armed Forces are not merely a governmental institution but the very soul of Sudan, its pride, and its unyielding shield. Salutations to the valiant Sudanese Armed Forces.
May Sudan forever remain strong and elevated among nations.
Stand tall, at attention! Allahu Akbar! Glory to Sudan!
And peace be upon those who follow the guidance.