Children of Abraham Day will promote unity and positivity
The events of 2020 have taught us the value of receiving good news and, importantly, generating good news.
An idea I hope will inspire children and adults to embrace our differences, but in reality, show our commonality, is Children of Abraham Day.
I see a great need to unite people of faith across the three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. I am a Muslim by faith and am surprised at how many people today do not realize that Judaism, Christianity and Islam all share a common belief in God, the God of Abraham (Ibrahim), and that these three religions share their common origin from the sons of Abraham (Ibrahim).
A reminder of this commonality of these religions I believe will go a long way toward developing mutual respect and good will in today’s divided world.
These three religions trace their origination from Abraham (Ibrahim), who was born in the Mesopotamia city of Ur almost 4,000 years ago. The sons of Ibrahim went forth to establish nations and become kings of the ancient world. Jews, Christians and Muslims all believe in the same God that Abraham loved, followed and obeyed.
Today it is often forgotten, or not even known, that these three major religions have a unique, common and extraordinary origin. This can serve as an inspiration and provide knowledge to find common ground for peace and harmony between the religions that were established by the children of Abraham (Ibrahim).
My idea is to create a day to recognize the common origin of these religions, that I call Children of Abraham Day. The goal of Children of Abraham Day will be to promote understanding and positivity between the three religions. I wrote and proposed a proclamation for Children of Abraham Day in Michigan and received a special tribute from Gov. Whitmer. U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow has expressed her support as well.
Once the threat of COVID-19 subsides, the vision for this day would be a school celebration, where education and activities can be planned for children to learn about the common origin of Judaism, Christianity and Islam in a respectful, factual and objective manner and to allow forums for students to speak positively about these major religions.
The day will be inspirational, with meaningful activities and cultural food offerings. The right to religious freedom bestowed by our Constitution also should be taught and celebrated.
There is no common holiday that unites Jews, Christians and Muslims. Children of Abraham Day could become that holiday.
I feel an obligation to teach our children the common origins of these religions. I believe this will be key to future peace and harmony and will lessen the hatred among those who believe in the same God, the God of Abraham.
I hope I can count on your support for Children of Abraham Day. To learn more, visit the Children of Abraham Day Facebook page or send email to childrenofabrahamday@gmail.com.
Children of Abraham Day was created by Detroit area entrepreneur and philanthropist Farhat Qazi to encourage and promote religious unity and understanding of the three monotheistic religions — Judaism, Christianity and Islam.