Dubai: The UAE’s tolerance of other faiths is a reflection of true Islam and part of its success story that is a model to be followed by the rest of the world, an interfaith gathering heard.
Christian, Hindu and Sikh community representatives on Friday said they have never been discriminated here and feel safe and secure in practising their faith. Their comments came during a Ramadan iftar held in their honour by Al Manar Islamic Centre in Al Quoz.
The heads of the various religious organisations praised Dubai’s spirit of openness to others, describing it as an oasis of peace and understanding in a largely turbulent region. Their talks were followed by iftar, the meal taken to end the day’s fast at sunset.
Present at the get-together were religious heads from half a dozen churches, the Gurunanak Darbar representing the Sikh community and the Shiva Krishna Temple representing the Hindu community.
Proceedings began with an address by chief guest Dr Mohammad Al Qubaisi, Grand Mufti, Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department, Dubai. He narrated several examples of the Islamic world’s justice and forbearance towards non-Muslims throughout history. Al Qubaisi said the rights of non-Muslims are enshrined in the Quran and teachings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) that no one has a right to violate.
“Islam stands for the brotherhood of humanity ... We’re just one big family,” he added. Al Qubaisi said practising these principles was needed “now more than any other time in history. Sadly there are people who violate against the right path. Peace is a human right”. That peace has been realised in Dubai’s model of coexistence, thanks to the vision of its leadership, he added.
Speaking next, Rev Timothy Heaney from Christ Church said it was unfortunate that the “opposite message” is sometimes portrayed, particularly in the West. “Sadly, Islam is being distorted as Christianity was being distorted in the past. But I see nothing but welcome and hospitality here in Dubai. My interaction with Muslims has helped me understand my own faith more,” Rev Heaney said.
His comments were echoed by Pandit Prakash Chhavria representing the Hindu temple. “We are thankful to the UAE people and its leaders, we respect all religions,” Pandit Chhavria said.
And sharing the experiences and thoughts of the Sikh community, Surender Singh Kandhari said Dubai has managed to become “an example for the whole world with spreading peace and harmony everywhere”, despite the complexities of hosting 220 nationalities and several faiths that call Dubai home, he added.
After similar comments by church representatives, Ahmad Hamed, a prominent speaker on Islam, spoke on the essence of Ramadan and its message of peace at the end of the event.
Al Manar is a community and Islamic centre run under the patronage of Shaikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum, wife of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. It has been active in promoting a positive understanding of Islam among followers of different faiths by conducting conferences, seminars, workshops, lectures and interfaith discussions.
