‘Renaming of mosque is a commitment to tolerance’
Christian leaders hail the inauguration of Mariam Umm Eisa as another example of UAE’s dedication to faith and harmony
ABU DHABI // The renaming of a mosque in the capital after an important female figure in Islam and Christianity illustrates the UAE’s commitment to tolerance and equality, heads of Christian churches in Abu Dhabi say. The Mohammed bin Zayed Mosque in Al Mushrif was renamed Mariam Umm Eisa, or Mary Mother of Jesus Mosque by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces yesterday.
The renaming showed tolerance was at the core of the country’s values, said the head of one of several churches located adjacent to the mosque. “To rename a mosque which is neighbour to three churches after a central figure in Christianity is a lovely gesture,” said Reverend Canon Andrew Thompson, senior Anglican chaplain at St Andrew’s Church, Abu Dhabi.
Having lived in the Middle East for nearly 30 years and an author of books on his faith in the region – such as Jesus of Ara- bia and Christianity in the UAE – Canon Thompson said the message of tolerance was needed now more than ever.
“I think what we are seeing in the world today alarms many of us,” he said.
“It seems to be easier to be intolerant as individuals and nations, so you can see the UAE is being very deliberate in counteracting sectarianism.” Canon Thompson said the move would further dialogue between followers of the two faiths. The significance of the mosque’s new name had two underlining messages, he said.
The first is that Mary is a great example for both communities of the obedience to and love of God and love for one’s neighbours, he said.
“The second message is here is a woman we can look up to and I think the Emirates is exemplary when it comes to the message of empowering women.”
Rev Yousuf Farajallah, pastor of the Evangelical Arab community in Abu Dhabi, said that the gesture was unprecedented and reflected the principles and values of interfaith coexistence in the UAE.
Rev Bishoy Fakhri, pastor of the Cathedral Church in Abu Dhabi, said: “The UAE sets a real example of tolerance, which transcends ideas and slogans to become a practical reality.”
Built in 1991, the cream-coloured Mariam Umm Eisa Mosque can accommodate 500 worshippers.