Abu Dhabi
Leaders of various religious communities and scholars in the UAE welcomed the global initiative for tolerance launched by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai yesterday.
“This is the right time for this initiative as there is no peace in the present world because of intolerance,” said Vasu Shroff, president of the managing committee of Gur Darbar (Hindu temple) in Dubai. “This may help for world peace and we will extend all support to this initiative,” he said.
The Reverend Canon Andy Thompson, chaplain at St Andrews Church in Abu Dhabi, said the initiative reminded him of the words of Jesus Christ: “Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God.”
Shaikh Mohammad is making a firm statement in confronting sectarianism and prejudice, Thompson said. The task to find inspiring people and reward them is an essential first step in showing what tolerance looks like in action. A centre advising and informing government policies on tolerance once again shows the pioneering spirit of the UAE in the Islamic world, he added.
Gandolf Wild, priest at St Joseph Cathedral in Abu Dhabi, said the UAE enjoyed international recognition as it promoted laws that deal with greater tolerance. The award and institution will be a good way to motivate people to be more tolerant, he said.
Surjith Singh, a leader of Sikh community, said Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, was a role model of tolerance. “I have been happy to see that ideal being practised by the UAE leadership in my 38-year long life in the UAE,” said Singh, president of World Punjabi Organisation in Abu Dhabi. “This country is a model for tolerance. Sikhs and all other religious communities have got support from the leadership to grow here. This initiative will further strengthen the UAE’s reputation,” Singh said.
Doctor Shawki Ebrahim Allam, Grand Mufti of Egypt representing the Dar Al Iftaa in Egypt, said: “Tolerance is fundamental in Islam, where it is substantiated in Sharia.” He said that establishing coexistence and tolerance was a cornerstone of Islam, which was followed by the Prophet (PBUH) and the Caliphs. Islam has conveyed tolerance to establish a community that is compassionate and accepts others, he said.
Ahmad Al Haddad, Grand Mufti of Dubai said: “Today Shaikh Mohammad opens a new chapter and sheds the light on a very important virtue — tolerance, which is aligned with Islam’s culture and civilisation. His initiative enhances Islam’s great methodology,” he added.
“The award will motivate people to compete in spreading and disseminating the meaning of tolerance. The institute will attract educational scholars by offering great literature and research studies that enhance the meaning of tolerance and knowledge about Islam,” Al Haddad explained.
“Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid is known for his achievements and contributions. He is a contemporary, inspirational leader with a vision and wisdom. Tolerance is crucial for all humanity to live together peacefully, in a stable, safe and secure environment.
“Shaikh Mohammad sensed the importance of enhancing and reassuring the virtue of tolerance towards his nation, people, country and all humanity, this being the virtue in the old Islamic civilisation,” Dr Al Haddad pointed out.
“By launching such initiative, he proves the importance of tolerance among diverse people in society. This initiative will enlighten people’s minds.”
Asma Samir is a trainee at Gulf News
