UAE praised for welcoming all faiths
Abdullah leads discussions in first episode of Virtual Ramadan Series
Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, led discussions in the first episode of the Majlis Mohammad Bin Zayed Virtual Ramadan Series, which centred on the UAE’s leading role in promoting harmony between citizens of all faiths, creeds and cultures.
Titled ‘Human Fraternity and Peaceful Coexistence: The Core Message of Faiths,’ the talk aired yesterday featured contributions from Shaikh Abdullah Bin Bayyah, Chairman of the UAE Fatwa Council; Rabbi Dr Elie Abadie, Senior Rabbi, Jewish Council of the Emirates; and Bishop Paul Hinder, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia.
Shaikh Abdullah highlighted how this year’s series of the majlis is particularly significant as it takes place during the 50th anniversary of the founding of the nation, thereby providing an opportunity to showcase the values of peaceful coexistence.
‘A river changing colours’
Bin Bayyah used the analogy of a river changing colours along its route because of the various soils it flows over, with the different colours representing the different people in society.
“Despite the diversity of ways and methods, the source of the river of prophethood is one and the same. If the river is coloured by the soil of its course, it will always stay true to its course. In fact, the colours of the river in question are the different peoples that flow within it, with their different traditions, needs and interests,” he said.
Historic visit
Bishop Paul Hinder spoke of the historic visit of His Holiness Pope Francis to the UAE two years ago. “I remember with joy the 4th February 2019 when Pope Francis and Shaikh Ahmad Al Tayeb [the Grand Imam of Al Azhar] signed a document of human fraternity here in Abu Dhabi under the gaze of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad [Bin Zayed] and many other dignitaries from the UAE and around the world. Things like this could happen with God’s grace because there were leaders on all sides with the vision and the courage to make it happen in our own times,” he said.
‘I feel very welcome’
Rabbi Dr Elie Abadie expressed how the UAE had made a difference in his life and in the life of the religious community he leads.
“I have had the privilege of living in this beautiful and blessed country. As the head of the Jewish community, I have felt very welcome and respected. I have felt the open arms and the embrace of the Emirati people. The concept of tolerance, coexistence and human fraternity are not just concepts, they are lived and practiced here,” he said.