UAE faithful unite to celebrate Ramadan, Easter and Passover

Thousands of worshippers from the world’s three major religions connect in prayer as holy days converge

Muslims wait for sunset to end their fast outside Al Farooq Mosque in Dubai. EPA

A powerful call for peace infused with optimism has united thousands of people from the Abrahamic faiths in prayer, marking a special time on the spiritual calendar as Ramadan, Easter and Passover coincide.

In a world reeling from conflict and suffering, religious heads and residents are seeing it as a time to celebrate, accept differences and reflect on the common threads that bind diverse communities in the UAE.

Churches in the UAE were filled with joyful celebrations as the Christian community was celebrating Easter this weekend after a month of fasting and prayer.

The Muslim faithful have crossed the halfway mark during a month of fasting that is also a time for reflection, sacrifice and forgiveness.

For the first time in the UAE, members of the Jewish community were gathering in a purpose-built synagogue on Saadiyat Island for the eight-day Passover festival that began on April 5 and ends next week. Others met in homes and hotels.

When greetings of Happy Easter, Ramadan Kareem and Chag Sameach or ‘Happy Festival’ are exchanged, it also symbolises the unique position of the Emirates where people of the world’s major religions visibly celebrate their faith.

Need for a ‘reliable hope’

A huge congregation filled St Mary’s Church in Oud Metha, Dubai, for Easter Mass. Ruel Pableo for The National

Christians came together in hope and optimism for better times to come. Ruel Pableo for The National

The church is the oldest in Dubai and a focal point for the community. Ruel Pableo for The National

The church was to hold nine services on Easter Sunday alone. Ruel Pableo for The National

Catholics attend Easter Mass at St Mary’s Church in Oud Metha, Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Catholics united by their faith pray during the Easter service. Ruel Pableo for The National

This year, Easter coincides with Ramadan and Passover. Ruel Pableo for the National

The three religious festivals only occur simultaneously about once every 30 years. Ruel Pableo for the National

Catholics attend Easter Mass at St Mary’s Church in Oud Metha, Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Catholics attend Easter Mass at St Mary’s Church in Oud Metha, Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Catholics attend Easter Mass at St Mary’s Church in Oud Metha, Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

Catholics attend Easter Mass at St Mary’s Church in Oud Metha, Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National

The Moses ben Maimon Synagogue at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. Pawan Singh / The National

Bishop Paolo Martinelli during the Easter service at the His Holiness Francis Church at the Abrahamic Family House. Pawan Singh / The National

Abu Dhabi's Abrahamic Family House serves as a symbol of how people of all faiths can be unified. Pawan Singh / The National

The multi-faith centre has hosted a number of services in honour of the Abrahamic religions of Islam, Christianity and Judaism. Pawan Singh / The National

Bishop Martinelli delivers the Easter service. Pawan Singh / The National

Christians from all parts of the globe who call the Emirates home came together to mark the religious festival. Pawan Singh / The National

While Easter and Passover typically fall at similar times of the year, they only coincide with Ramadan about once every 30 years. Pawan Singh / The National

Joyous events have been held all over the world to mark Easter. Pawan Singh / The National

Bishop Paolo Martinelli, the head of the Catholic Church in the UAE, Oman and Yemen, was optimistic of the power of peace, unity and goodwill to echo across the globe on Easter Sunday and going forward.

“We need a reliable hope on which to build relationships and promote the common good together with all men and women of goodwill,” he said in an Easter message shared with The National.

“This announcement of joy and hope also resounds even today in a world afflicted by so much suffering and uncertainty. There are wars and conflicts that bring destruction and death to many in different parts of the world.

“Sometimes even in our hearts, we have doubts and fears about the future.”

As pews filled up across the emirates, parishioners packed into churches and stood outdoors to listen to services that celebrated the resurrection of Christ.

Christians have been inviting friends and family home, exchanging food, pastries and chocolate eggs.

The bishop called on people to promote reconciliation, build a more fraternal world as they enjoy a festival that proclaimed the victory over evil and death.

“We are a church of migrants, made up of people from different nations, cultures, languages, and rites.

“The same Paschal faith and the same baptism unite us,” the Bishop said in a reference to new beginnings.

“We are called to witness that it is possible to be different and united simultaneously. The world needs this testimony.”

Embracing differences

Ramadan prayers held at Bani Hashim Mosque in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

During the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset and strengthen their faith through increased recitation of the Quran.

Many devote more time on charitable work, others perform Umrah, an optional pilgrimage to Makkah, the birthplace of the Prophet Mohammed in Saudi Arabia.

As the final 10 nights of Ramadan draw nearer, piety is believed to increase with the tahajjud prayers held from midnight onwards at mosques.

Abdullah Mohammad Al Ansari, an Emirati Islamic scholar, spoke of the values of harmony that Islam upheld.

“The very foundation of the religion is to bring people closer together, fostering harmony and understanding among diverse groups of individuals,” he told The National.

“The understanding of differences in colour, language, race and even understanding and perception as a divine law and one of God’s splendid signs has been the cornerstone of the UAE’s approach to fostering a culture of coexistence and tolerance.”

He said while some nations suffered from conflict and discord as they failed to accept differences, the UAE’s multicultural environment enabled people of different faith to perform religious rituals and celebrate occasions without limits on their freedom.

“The UAE has exemplified how embracing differences and understanding the essence of Islam can lead to a prosperous, harmonious society where everyone can coexist peacefully, Mr Al Ansari said.

“The unique example of the UAE is the result of a country of rulers, government and people who build on the principle of — You and I are children of one father and one mother, we all strive to fulfil God’s saying in the Quran: Surely this community of yours is one community and I am your lord, so worship me.”

Mohammed Saleem, imam of a mosque in Sharjah, said inclusivity was built into the country’s framework.

“This proud nation built on the principles of tolerance, respect and unity has become a shining example of harmonious coexistence in today’s world,” he said.

Opportunity for dialogue

The Moses ben Maimon Synagogue at the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi hosted its first ever Passover. Photo: Abrahamic Family House

Children engage in an activity to celebrate the Passover. Photo: Abrahamic Family House

The ceremony, known as a seder, marked the first time in UAE history that a purpose-built synagogue hosted Passover. Photo: Abrahamic Family House

The event drew members of the Jewish community in the UAE, visitors and other attendees. Photo: Abrahamic Family House

The Moses ben Maimon Synagogue at the Abrahamic Family House opened in March. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The Jewish community said they cherished the spiritual freedom to celebrate the eight-day festival that began with the main ceremony of “seder”, or order, in Hebrew.

A festive meal followed to include matzah — an unleavened flatbread — during which the story of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt was retold at different stages during the meal.

During the week, Jews are asked to eat the flat, cracker-like matzah made from flour and water and baked.

Marc Sievers, director of the American Jewish Committee, said observing Passover was integral to their beliefs.

He was among those who attended a service at the synagogue at the Abrahamic Family House.

The milestone site on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island hails the shared values of Islam, Judaism and Christianity with a mosque, synagogue and church at one site.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the openness of the society here and the decision of the leadership to welcome people of all different backgrounds and religions,” said Mr Sievers, head of a private, non-profit organisation.

“The Abrahamic Family House gives actual physical form to this by having the mosque, church and the synagogue in the same compound even though each is separate and has its own congregation.”

Thousands of Jews will travel to the UAE this year to explore the country, attracted by stories of safety and tolerance shared by others who live and work here.

“It is very remarkable thing and we feel fortunate to be here and to see this happen,” Mr Sievers said.

“As Jews we see a wonderful opportunity here in the UAE for the monotheistic religions to encounter each other and to promote peace and understanding.

“It provides a special chance for the followers of all three religions to have dialogue.”