Kingdom to take part in ‘A Prayer for Humanity’

TDT | Manama

Backed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the Kingdom will participate today in a global day of fasting, prayers and supplications for the good of all humanity to end the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Bahrain’s participation in the event, entitled “Prayer for Humanity”, reflects HM the King’s approach based on consolidating the values of love, justice, tolerance and peaceful co-existence among all religions, sects and races, as well as supporting everything aimed at deepening the values of human tolerance and solidarity as the best means to face the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises.

It also proves the distinction of the civilised Bahraini society as a role model for respecting diversity and protecting the rights and dignity of everyone, without discrimination based on gender, origin, language, religion or creed, including the right to practise religious rituals freely, in accordance with the constitution and national covenants, in addition to the existence of mosques, churches and other houses of worship.

HM the King has always been keen on enhancing the enlightening role of religious platforms in disseminating moderation and rejecting extremism and terrorism. HM the King’s assertion that these platforms are beacons that radiate with faith and piety leads to reform, push development efforts forward, unify people and spread love among them.

They prove his conviction that religion is a blessing to humanity and the basis for peace in the world, as well as his recognition of the importance of the diversity of religions and sects as a catalyst for dialogue that immunes humanity against disputes and conflicts.

The royal vision of tolerance and co-existence has been embodied in HM King Hamad’s launch of multiple pioneering international initiatives, including the King Hamad Global Centre for Peaceful Coexistence, the King Hamad Chair in Interfaith Dialogue and Peaceful Co-Existence at the Sapienza University, Italy, and “The Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration” which is a global document that consolidates religious freedoms.

The royal initiatives also include launching global awards for service to humanity, empowering women, supporting education and sustainable development, and organising global conferences for inter-faith dialogue in 2002, 2003 and 2014, in addition to the UN adoption of His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa’s initiative to declare April 5 as an International Day of Conscience.

Regarding the global efforts to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Kingdom has proven – thanks to HM King Hamad’s leadership, the support of HRH the Prime Minister, and the dedicated endeavours of Team Bahrain led by His Royal Highness Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister – that it is a global role model for fighting the pandemic and containing it.

Bahrain has accomplished this through its efficient dealing with the virus, without discrimination between citizens and residents, as reflected in its precautionary and preventive measures that have contributed to protecting public health and safety, while providing tranquillity and decent living and ensuring free tests and health services for all.

HM the King’s welcoming of the call of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity for a Global Day of Prayer, during the last 10 days of the blessed month of Ramadan and with the participation of the Grand Imam of Al Azhar Al Sharif and His Holiness the Pope, conveys a message to the entire world that unity of human beings – regardless of their different religions, colours and ethnicities – is imperative to confront the pandemic.

This is through purifying hearts from the epidemics of hatred and rancour, mobilising efforts and capabilities to support frontline workers to address this pandemic, reject wars and conflicts, and set aside differences for a world in which safety, peace and prosperity prevail.