The Mosque: Celebrating Communal Gathering and Privacy The mosque is designed to honor tradition and celebrate communal gathering. The Abrahamic Family House, a compound that houses the Imam Al Tayeb Mosque, St. Francis Church, and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue described as the "first purpose-built synagogue in the United Arab Emirates", was inaugurated on Saadiyat Island in Dubai on Thursday. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. (RNS) On Thursday, Feb. 16, the United Arab Emirates officially opened the Abrahamic Family House, consisting of a mosque, church and synagogue that face one another on the same square in Abu Dhabi. The photography is by Dror Baldinger unless otherwise stated. The Abrahamic Family House is now officially open to the public starting Wednesday, March 1. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Today, Christian leaders are making a critical mistake by inviting Islamic teachers into churches and thus allowing them a platform to teach Islam to the Body of Christ. While it has not been revealed how much the complex cost to build, The Times of Israel estimates that it could have cost in the hundreds of millions. Award-winning architect Sir David Adjaye Obe, selected for the Abrahamic Family House, was introduced and the model of the project unveiled during the Celebration of Human Fraternity in New York on Friday. He said the UAE had always strived to serve as a catalyst for peace, tolerance and understanding and stability in the world. With all the worlds challenges, can the new complex foster an environment respectful of different beliefs? The cultural landmark in the UAE capital, which includes a synagogue, a church and a mosque, is meant to be a beacon of understanding and peaceful coexistence, inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity. (photo: Boubloub / CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikipedia) Kevin J. Jones/CNA World February . Overseeing the development of this iconic project is inspiring and reflective of the UAE efforts in realizing the values of the Document on Human Fraternity and fostering its lofty principles.. David Adjaye has revealed visuals of The Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi that will contain a church, mosque and synagogue. Adjaye Associates has studios in Accra, London and New York. Whoever wants to understand the vision of the UAE with regard to coexistence, let him review Al-Madina newspaper and what had been established by our Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him (PBUH) to shape and unite the citys society with its various components.. 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The design of the Abrahamic Family House was first unveiled by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, at a global gathering in New York in 2019, during the 2nd meeting of the HCHF. With the Abu Dhabi document on human fraternity, a prophetic and far-sighted document, religions are presented in their original capacity to collaborate and contribute together to the formation of a more humane world, in which we all recognize ourselves as brothers and sisters, called to fraternity, to coexistence and tolerance, mutual acceptance, and the promotion of justice and peace.. On completion, the complex of the Abrahamic Family House will offer the followers of the respective faiths enough spaces for real peace of mind and soul within an atmosphere in which a spirit of intimacy prevails. Our biblical poets celebrated these sites. Terms of Use The UAE has sought to build alliances with nations across the world in line with this vision, including forging diplomatic ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords in September, 2020. Adjaye highlighted that he wanted to create a building that starts to dissolve the notion of hierarchical difference it should represent universality and totality something higher, that enhances the richness of human life". The Abrahamic Family House is a fitting symbol and embodiment of the governments commitment to this vision. Two hundred different nationalities now make their homes and do business in the UAE and generally enjoy freedom of worship. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. At first, many people questioned the UAEs motivation in signing the accords. [8][9][10][7][11][12], The implementation of the project is supervised by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity (HCHF). Visitors of all faiths are being invited to come together and take part in public worship services and education programmes. We serve to deepen understanding of our common humanity through mutual dialogue, exchange of knowledge, and the practice of faith., The Imam Al Tayeb Mosque at the Abrahamic Family House. Plus occasional updates. The three buildings sit atop a one-storey plinth that also features a secular gathering space with a library and exhibition areas known as the Forum, as well as an elevated communal garden that connects the church, synagogue and mosque. Bookings: Visitors must book guided tours ahead of visiting the facility. Updates Red Mail. The Abrahamic Family House derives its name from the Old Testament biblical figure, Abraham, who is recognized and greatly revered by Jews, Christians and Muslims. The road to Thursdays opening began with Pope Francis February 2019 trip to the UAE, where he met with the grand imam of al-Azhar, Ahmed el-Tayeb, leader of the oldest Islamic educational institute in the world. The UAE, a federation of seven sheikhdoms, announced plans for the Abrahamic Family House in 2019 during the country's "Year of Tolerance." Designed by the British-Ghanian architect Sir David Adjaye, the site includes the three houses of worship and a center connecting them for future events. Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, spoke about the importance of sending out a message of harmony and hope to the world. It's already November and not a peep about a 'grand . Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. The UAE has always put its vision of bringing people and cultures together forward, and the introduction of the Abrahamic Family House is a testament to that. Public transportAbrahamic Family House can be reached by the public bus route 94 which drops visitors at Gate B. Car/TaxiGoogle Maps can be used to provide directions to theMain EntranceandParking. The Abrahamic Family House, completion of which is to set the establishment as a beacon of peaceful coexistence and . The Abrahamic Family House has been inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity, signed during Pope Francis' visit to the UAE in February 2019. When the Abrahamic Family House initiative was first announced, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Abu Dhabi official placed in charge of the project, spoke of the message his country's leadership intended to send - from, and to, a region long viewed as indifferent or hostile to inter-religious harmony. Entry to the multi-faith place of worship, which houses a mosque, synagogue and church, will be free of charge, but bookings must be made in advance. The Abrahamic Family House was designed by Ghanaian-British architect David Adjaye, whose works include the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Knows more about the world than herself. Something good is happening in the desert but will it make a lasting difference? The "Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together", simply called the Document on Human Fraternity, was signed on February 4, 2019, by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam during the Popes visit to Abu Dhabi. Get Latest News, Breaking News about Abrahamic Family House. Abraham of the Old . Worshippers can also join a service of another faith group as guests. Such change will not happen overnight. [2][3][4], The project was announced by Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, on Feb. 5, 2019 at a meeting of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity at the New York Public Library. The mission is to bridge common humanity through the exchange of knowledge, dialogue, and the practice of faith. We recognise that the only strategy that will reduce and eventually eliminate conflict emerging from religious or cultural differences is direct action to find common ground among people of all nations, said Sheikh Nahyan. The Abrahamic Family House is a fitting symbol and embodiment of the government's commitment to this vision. The space hosts discussions, forums, and conferences that promote understanding, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence. The project takes inspiration from the Document on Human Fraternity and is being supervised by the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity. President Sheikh Mohamed on Thursday stated the institution of the . At the same time, the design reflects traditional architecture while retaining the individual traits of each of the three faiths. Privacy Policy. When the UAE announced in 2019 the building of the Abrahamic Family House - a mosque, a church, and a synagogue all sharing the same campus, I knew that this You can feel the renewed hope of long-lost relatives getting to know each other again. The Abrahamic Family House will also offer a dynamic series of educational and faith-based programmes and events, as well as initiatives for young people, that promote the exchange of knowledge and interfaith collaboration. When the Abrahamic Family House initiative was first announced, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, the Abu Dhabi official placed in charge of the project, spoke of the message his country's. The church is now welcoming worshippers for prayer.#AbrahamicFamilyHousepic.twitter.com/NspvORUPqp. Plus occasional updates on Dezeens services and breaking news. The Abrahamic Family House, an interfaith complex designed by architect David Adjaye that contains a church, a synagogue and a mosque, has opened in Abu Dhabi. Adjaye Associates proposes inverted supertall skyscraper for Asif Khan, Mariam Kamara, David Adjaye and Theaster Gates to David Adjaye designs bottle to celebrate world's oldest Obama and Bono praise David Adjaye's "genius" at Visit our comments page | Read our In November 2021, I was honored to join a World Jewish Congress mission to the United Arab Emirates, organized by the countrys embassy in Washington. Timings: His Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque is open during the timings of each of the five prayers as announced by Awqaf, whereas His Holiness Francis Church and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue are open between 7am and 9pm. Each tour takes about an hour. Document on Human Fraternity, which set ambitious goals to foster interfaith understanding. It is also home to the Document of Human Fraternity, signed by His Holiness Pope Francis and His Eminence Grand Imam Dr Ahmed El-Tayeb in Abu Dhabi in 2019. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The shared garden is another space for gathering, learning, and conversation for members of diverse faith communities and visitors of all beliefs. Last month, President Sheikh Mohamed said the establishment of the Abrahamic Family House, on Saadiyat Island, was in line with the nation's celebration of diversity and tolerance. Lots of articles have told us that this "Abrahamic Family House" in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, is suppose to have it's grand opening this year, 2022. The oak pews on the stone floor can accommodate some 300 worshipers. 2023 Galadari Printing and Publishing LLC. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. [5], The complex seeks to represent interfaith co-existence, preserves the unique character of the religions represented and build bridges between human civilization and the Abrahamic messages. The undertaking was inspired by the Document on Human Fraternity signed by Pope Francis on behalf of the Catholic Church and Ahmed El-Tayeb on behalf of the al-Azhar Mosque on Feb. 4, 2019 in Abu Dhabi. Beside each one stands a tall pillar illuminating an Islamic crescent, Christian cross and a Jewish menorah, respectively, shining a hopeful light for interfaith tolerance and understanding. It will house the St. Francis of Assisi Church, Imam Al-Tayeb Mosque and Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue. The Abrahamic Family House, a new centre for learning, dialogue and the practice of faith in Abu Dhabi, was officially opened on Thursday by Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. Motivation in signing the accords function properly J. Jones/CNA world February of Human Fraternity and is being by. In public worship services and education programmes BY-SA 4.0, Wikipedia ) Kevin J. Jones/CNA world.! 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