Amid the captivating skyline of Abu Dhabi, the Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Mosque in Al Mushrif district has been reborn with a new name, “Mariam, Umm Eisa,” which translates to “Mary, the mother of Jesus.”
This profound transformation comes as an embodiment of the UAE’s commitment to promoting interfaith understanding and global unity.
The decision to rename the mosque was made by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, reflecting his vision to foster connections across diverse religious beliefs.
In a country that embraces diversity and harmony, the change was met with appreciation and gratitude from various quarters. Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, the Minister of State for Tolerance, conveyed her deep gratitude to Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed for his visionary directive, praising the initiative for exemplifying the UAE’s ethos of tolerance and coexistence.
Similarly, Mohammad Mattar Al Kaabi, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, expressed his appreciation for the Crown Prince’s inspiring gesture.
Reverend Canon Andrew Thompson, the senior chaplain of the neighbouring St Andrew’s Church, welcomed the renaming, celebrating the shared reverence for Mary as a unifying figure between the faiths.
“Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is of course a holy, special figure in our communities,” he noted, underscoring the common ground that this new name fosters.
Jeramie Rinne, the senior pastor of the Evangelical Community Church in Abu Dhabi, lauded the UAE’s unwavering commitment to religious tolerance and cooperation, highlighting that the renaming of the mosque is a testament to the nation’s harmonious ethos.
Interfaith Harmony in Practice: Implications and Prospects
As the UAE continues to champion values of acceptance and harmony amidst the turbulence in the region, the renaming of the mosque stands as a beacon of hope and understanding.
Amidst a backdrop of sectarian conflicts, the UAE’s unwavering commitment to promoting a climate of mutual respect and appreciation for all faiths is commendable.
This act of renaming not only reflects the UAE’s legacy of embracing diversity but also sets an inspiring precedent for other nations to foster unity and understanding.
Predicting the Future
It is likely that this gesture will reverberate beyond the UAE’s borders, inspiring other communities to bridge divides and forge connections across religious lines.
As the country propels its National Tolerance Programme forward and continues its emphasis on the pillars of Islam, Constitution, Zayed’s legacy, international conventions, archaeology, history, humanity, and common values, there is a strong possibility that the UAE will emerge as a model for global interfaith harmony.
Such initiatives not only strengthen the bonds between citizens and residents but also amplify the UAE’s role as a beacon of hope in a world that yearns for unity amidst diversity.
