Global leaders join interfaith prayer session
dubai — An interfaith prayer to end suffering in the wake of a pandemic. It was an idea that would resonate among religious and world leaders across the world, and it certainly did as May 14 saw them coming together to extend their support to The Higher Committee of Human Fraternity’s call for a day of fasting, prayers and supplications for the good of all humanity.
On Thursday, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby lent his support. “Praying today for an end to the coronavirus pandemic, for a vaccine and for healing for all those who are sick. Lord have mercy,” he tweeted.
The sentiments were also echoed by the Baha’i International Community, a body that represents the community to the United Nations. “Universal peace is achievable through the unreserved acceptance of our shared identity and common purpose. That humanity is one people must be the starting point in our responses to the pandemic and in constructive ways forward.”
Throughout the day, many important religious figures marked their presence on the Higher Committee’s social media channels, leaving a message for the #PrayForHumanity initiative. This included Mohammed Farouq Toualbia from the Grand Mosque of Paris; Thomas Kwesi Quartey, deputy chairperson of the African Union Commission; Sheikh Naurizbai Haj Taghanoli, Grand Mufti and head of Religious Administration of the Muslims of Kazakhstan, Sheikh Abu Baker Ahmed, Grand Mufti to India, Father Rafik Grish from the Catholic Church of Egypt.
Prayers offered from different religious institutions across the world were also streamed live. In a particularly heartwarming note, Rosie Dyas, spokesperson for the British Government in the Middle East and North Africa, wrote: “The Corona pandemic did not differentiate between nationality, ethnicity or even religion and has excluded no one. We need to unite on all levels, including uniting spiritually.”