HM Sultan Qaboos Passed Away; Our Tribute to His Majesty

It is with very great regret we have today received news of the death of Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. He has been a visionary and just leader of the Sultanate of Oman since 1970. He has guided this country towards prosperity and stability and also been a leader in of the whole world in urging peace between nations as well as peace between religions. He has always done so in a modest and successful way.

The work of Al Amana Centre is based on the legacy of practical collaboration between Christians and Muslims in the Sultanate of Oman since 1891. While predecessors of the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said had laid the ground to this collaboration, it was Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said, who with his visionary leadership provided prosperity and success both to this country in general, as well as for building peace and stability in particular. It was Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said who led Muslims and Christians to work together for the common good. Much of the work Al Amana Centre is currently doing is modeled from his attitude toward peace.

During the five decades of his reign, relationships between Muslims and Christians flourished. His visionary leadership made it possible for the amazing development in the country. He was kind to people and received them with wonderful interest. For example Doctor and Mrs. Don Bosch visited His Majesty after the book “Sea Shells of Oman” was published in the year 1982. These encounters between His Majesty and Al Amana Centre, as well as between His Majesty and the Reformed Church in America, will remain in our hearts forever.

Al Amana Centre, its current leadership, as well as people who have been working here, want to extend our deepest condolences to the people of Oman. We are mourning with you and are committed to work hard with you as this country continues to flourish and strives for peace and harmony. We have been in the country for the service of the people over 125 years and we are committed to do so in the future.

May God Almighty bless Sultan Qaboos bin Said al Said. It is God that takes and it is He that gives and He prescribes a destiny for every matter. In the book of Psalms we hear the following:

Hear, O LORD, and answer me, for I am poor and needy.

Guard my life, for I am devoted to you. You are my God; save your servant who trusts in you.

Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I call to you all day long.

Bring joy to your servant, for to you, O Lord, I lift up my soul.

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to you.

Hear my prayer, O LORD; listen to my cry for mercy.

In the day of my trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

Among the gods there is none like you, O Lord; no deeds can compare with yours.

All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, O Lord; they will bring glory to your name.

For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.

Psalm 86: 1-10