The BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi hosted an interfaith cultural evening ‘Omsiyyat’ during Ramadan, bringing together over 200 leaders and community members from diverse faiths and backgrounds. This event took place on April 2, fostering a spirit of faith, friendship, unity, and reflection during the holy month.
The convergence of faith, culture and dialogue, attended by notable figures including HE Sheikh Nahayan bin Mabarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, HE Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and HE Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development, among others.
In addition to local leadership, leaders of local religious communities were also in attendance: Rabbi Jeff Berger of the Abrahamic Family House, Rabbi Levi Duchmann, Father Lalji of the Church of South India Parish, Bah ’ai community leaders, among others.
"Unity in diversity is not just a principle; it's a practice, vividly demonstrated here tonight. This event symbolizes our shared journey towards understanding and respect," shared Rabbi Jeff Berger from the Abrahamic Family House on his feelings towards the event.
HE Sheikh Nahayan emphasized the tremendous impact of the BAPS Hindu Mandir, stating, “In these troubled times that are threatened by separatism, distrust, intolerance, and conflicts, [the BAPS Hindu Mandir] brings hope to the world… I commend the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi for organizing this interfaith meeting… You share a respect for beliefs and an admiration for each other’s good-hearted intentions. Thank you for your commitment and dedication to promoting the values of peace, harmony, fraternity, and coexistence, your strong resolve to work together across cultural and spiritual lines for the good of all humankind is truly noble.”
The evening was also enriched with the words of His Holiness Swami Brahmaviharidas, Head of the BAPS Mandir, Abu Dhabi. While highlighting the mandir’s message of love, peace, and harmony from His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, he expressed sincere gratitude towards HH Mohamed bin Zayed al Nahyan, the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, the UAE leadership, and the gathered well-wishers for their support and generosity. Recounting the emotions of a former space scientist, Swami stated, “That if ever there are aliens, and if aliens come to this earth, I would rather have the aliens judge our planet by this place of harmony than all the conflicts, wars and monuments of hate in this world. I’d rather have aliens judge the world by what’s happening in Abu Dhabi. So be proud, that Abu Dhabi is the new capital of harmony of the world!”
The gathering concluded with a vegetarian suhoor, blending Indian and Arabic cuisines, prepared by temple volunteers. Guests, including HE Sheikh Nahayan, partook in the dinner and enjoyed the time spent together as a community.
'Omsiyyat – An Interfaith Cultural Evening’ touched the hearts of those not only in attendance, but to the community of the UAE, and the world, showing that though interfaith harmony is an ongoing mission, for a moment, it has been achieved.
