A mosque in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that was renamed after Mary, the mother of Jesus, in 2019 has recently gained attention on social media.
The mosque, which used to be called Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan Mosque, is now known as Mariam, Umm Eisa Mosque in Arabic, or Mary, Mother of Jesus Mosque in English.
Sheikh Mohammed, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, ordered the name change as a sign of respect and tolerance for other religions.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a revered figure in both Christianity and Islam and is mentioned more times in the Quran than in the Bible. By honouring her name, the mosque aims to foster a spirit of coexistence and harmony among different religions.
The mosque is located in Al Mushrif, a central neighbourhood in Abu Dhabi, where it stands next to several churches of different denominations.
The mosque and the churches share a common space and a common vision of peace and dialogue. The mosque also hosts regular interfaith events and activities, such as lectures, workshops, and cultural exchanges.
The ‘Mary, Mother of Jesus’ mosque is a unique example of how a place of worship can be a bridge of understanding and friendship between people of different beliefs.
It is a symbol of the UAE’s commitment to promoting diversity and pluralism in its society.
It is also a testament to the universal values that Mary, the mother of Jesus, represents: love, compassion, humility, and faith.
