Newspapers are reporting the order of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to release 700 Emirati and expatriate prisoners near the commencement of Ramadan.Furthermore Shaikh Khalifa has ordered an amnesty on the debts of pardoned prisoners. The impact of this prisoner release and cancellation of debts will be felt not only by the inmates but also by their families.
This gesture, however, has a vital modelling effect for the entire country.
Pardons are usually granted by Shaikh Khalifa on national and religious occasions but they have special significance at the commencement of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a period in which people are encouraged to take the initiative to settle grievances, right wrongs and restore relationships. It is a time to wish peace to one another in the deepest sense of the word and work for the richest experience of salaam (السلام) throughout the world.
A wonderful example has been set by the President of the United Arab Emirates.
As-Salāmu `Alaykum السلام عليكم
Dr Geoff Pound
Image: His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE.
