A mosque in Dubai has undergone a significant renaming, becoming the 'Mary Mother of Jesus' mosque. The Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Mosque, located in the Al Mushrif district of Abu Dhabi, UAE, has been officially changed to 'Mariam, Umm Eisa' in Arabic, which translates to 'Mary Mother of Jesus' in English. This renaming was ordered by Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the crown prince of Abu Dhabi.
The motivation behind this renaming is to promote unity and connections among followers of various religions. The decision reflects a desire to strengthen the bonds of humanity that exist between different faith communities. The renaming holds special significance for both Muslims and Christians, as Mary, the mother of Jesus, is regarded as a holy and revered figure in both religions.
Reactions to this development have been positive and inclusive. Andrew Thompson, a senior chaplain at St Andrew’s Church, expressed delight at the celebration of common values between the two faiths. He highlighted Mary's role as a symbol of obedience to God and looked forward to deepening understanding and camaraderie with their neighbors.
Jeramie Rinne, senior pastor of the Evangelical Community Church in Abu Dhabi, also praised the gesture as a manifestation of religious tolerance. He noted that the renaming showcased the UAE's commitment to peaceful coexistence and cooperation among diverse communities, setting a precedent for the region.
As the renamed mosque stands as a testament to interfaith understanding, it contributes to the ongoing efforts in the UAE to foster an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony among people of different religious backgrounds.
A mosque has been renamed to ‘Mary Mother of Jesus’ mosque in Dubai.
The Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Mosque in Al Mushrif, a district in Abu Dhabi, UAE, was renamed to ‘Mariam, Umm Eisa’ which translates from Arabic to English as ‘Mary Mother of Jesus’ on the order of Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi crown prince.
