In a move aimed at strengthening bonds of humanity and fostering interfaith understanding, the prominent Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Mosque in Al Mushrif, Abu Dhabi, UAE, has been renamed to ‘Mariam, Umm Eisa’-translating to ‘Mary Mother of Jesus’ in English.
This significant decision was made by the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The renaming of the mosque, a place of worship known for its architectural grandeur and historical significance, comes as part of an effort to promote harmonious coexistence among followers of various religions. Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan expressed his intention to consolidate ties between religious communities through this gesture.
Reactions to the mosque’s renaming have been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the shared spiritual values between different faiths. Andrew Thompson, a senior chaplain at St Andrew’s Church, conveyed his joy, stating, “We are delighted that we are celebrating something that we have in common between both our faiths. Mary, as the mother of Jesus, is of course a holy, special figure in our communities. She is a woman who symbolizes obedience to God. We look forward to growing in deeper understanding with our neighbors, and we celebrate with them the new name of the mosque.”
Jeramie Rinne, senior pastor of the Evangelical Community Church in Abu Dhabi, also commended the decision. “Mohammad has made another generous gesture of religious tolerance in renaming the mosque. The UAE continues to set the pace in this region for peaceful coexistence and cooperation. We are very encouraged and feel blessed to be a part of this nation,” Rinne affirmed.
The renaming of the Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Mosque to ‘Mariam, Umm Eisa’ reflects the UAE’s ongoing commitment to promoting unity and religious harmony within its diverse population. The move serves as a symbol of the nation’s dedication to fostering understanding, tolerance, and mutual respect among individuals from various religious backgrounds. As the UAE leads the way in the Middle East by embracing religious diversity, it is anticipated that this decision will have a positive impact on the nation’s cultural and spiritual landscape for years to come.