Islamic new year full of meaning and promise

ABU DHABI // Today’s sermon will wish Muslims at home and abroad a new year full of peace, stability, happiness and prosperity.

It will also look into the Prophet Mohammed’s emigration from Mecca to Medina, one of the most important events in human history, which marks the Hijri new year. When the Quraysh tribe stopped the Prophet Moham- med from delivering his message, he migrated to Medina. “His migration was aimed at extending a bridge for an eternal human civilisation that is based on love and peace, and, ultimately, touching the hearts of all human beings with happiness,” the sermon will tell worshippers. When he arrived in Medina, the Prophet Mohammed drafted the Charter of Medina.

“This great treaty organised relations between the Muslims and others, preserving their rights and peaceful coexistence. It also defined their duties and guaranteed their freedom,” the sermon will say.

Worshippers will be told that a peaceful coexistence between Muslims and followers of other religions was one of the crucial principles of the charter.

Hence, the concepts of religious tolerance and freedom of religion are part of Islam.

The charter also forbids extremism and of coercing people to follow a religion.

“They (Muslims and other res- idents of the city) must seek mutual advice and consultation. Loyalty gives protection against treachery,” the charter said.

It also stipulated that “the Jews have their religion and Muslims have their religion”.

The sermon will also remind worshippers to thank Allah that they are living in the UAE, a country that is “a symbol for cohesion, a cradle of peace and an example for social coexistence and cultural harmony”.