Inter-religious co-existence is often difficult in a rapidly changing world. Therefore, it was a pleasure to read in detail the article, Interfaith course in UAE offers model for religious coexistence (La Croix, 27 February 2025), Responding to the Interfaith and Ecumenical Dialogue of the Apostolic Vicariate of the Human Fraternity Document signed by Grand Iman Ahmed Al-Tayeb and Pope Francis in February 2019.
I have visited The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi on 2 separate occasions. However, my cherished memory is attending the second of five Masses scheduled for Easter Sunday, at the St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral, Dubai in 2010. I was moved by the number of parishioners and tourists, whose devotion illuminated a rich tapestry of all of God’s creation. Extending out into the courtyard this setting created an intersection of lingua franca, customs and cultures.
Interior image of St. Francis Church, AFH. Image: Courtesy of Abrahamic Family House
Saint Francis’s parables have influenced Imams for centuries. The interfaith curriculum, “Training and Exchange in the Context of the Human Fraternity Document and its Receptions” (2025), highlights the Emirates’ acceptance of people of faith who are active and valuable in a Muslim nation. They support all great religions and recognizes their citizens’ rights. In unity with representatives from Catholic, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Sikh communities, residing in the Emirates, Pope Francis’ agenda came into being. Concluding at The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, “A marvel of extravagant craftsmanship” and Islamic devotion, open to the world.
Interior view of St. Francis Church, AFH. Image: Courtesy of Abrahamic Family House
Mingling with tourists from all corners of the earth abiding by the strict Muslim dress code necessary to visit the Grand Mosque, creates a heightened sense of spirituality. Moreover, people with strong western values are perplexed and challenged by the peaceful coexistence offered by the Grand Iman Ahmed Al-Tayeb. Some question Islamic principles mandated by Shariah Islamic Law that requires respect to those of other religions. At the same time, the provenance and preservation of ancient tribal customs of the Emirate states is a time-honoured priority.
Kofi Annan, former Secretary General of the United Nations stressed, “Human rights are what reason requires, and conscience demands” (Annan, 1997, p.1). Amiably, there has been a strong impetus to maintain mutual respect for Religious Coexistence in the UAE. The Grand Iman Ahmed Al-Tayeb, co-collaborator of the 2025 ‘Year of Tolerance’ emphasizes that religious liberty and tolerance are clearly defined in the UAEs Muslim doctrine.
This successful course offers essential knowledge for improving interreligious coexistence and dialogue in our modern society.
Dr Annette Tzavaras earned a PhD in Social Sciences and Psychology in 2018, shaped by her lived experience with cultural and religious diversity. From 2002 to 2022, she worked with Afghan women in Afghanistan, navigating both admiration and haunting realities. She also explored prejudice, xenophobia, and Islamophobia in Australia, particularly affecting Afghan refugee women on the Humanitarian “Women at Risk” (subclass 204) visa.
In response to the impending US withdrawal in 2022, she authored Afghanistan, a Country I Can Never Forget (2003), offering a cinematic journey through the nation’s people and places, revealing its complex socio-political landscape.
