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Following the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi final week, there may be immense curiosity about what prompted the ruler of an Arab Muslim nation, with hardly any non-Muslim citizenry, to not solely donate land for a Hindu temple but in addition publicly affiliate with the momentous venture. How will we body the camaraderie between the Bharatiya Janata Occasion (BJP)-ruled India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a West Asian Arab Muslim nation?
Following the inauguration of the BAPS Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi final week, there may be immense curiosity about what prompted the ruler of an Arab Muslim nation, with hardly any non-Muslim citizenry, to not solely donate land for a Hindu temple but in addition publicly affiliate with the momentous venture. How will we body the camaraderie between the Bharatiya Janata Occasion (BJP)-ruled India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a West Asian Arab Muslim nation?
The reply have to be sought within the labyrinthine actuality of the present socio-political churn throughout the Arab world. At first is the chasm between the ideological States and the non-ideological States within the area, the place the previous corresponding to Iran and Qatar (Saudi Arabia below Mohammed bin Salman has ceased to be an ideological State) have tried to outline overseas coverage when it comes to their confessional priorities with out jettisoning their nationwide pursuits. Second, in a area gripped by a large number of conflicts, internecine and inter-regional, sectarian and political, however defended in confessional, even theological idioms, a non-ideological State such because the UAE thought it opportune to decide on a path that’s concurrently protecting of self-interest and reflective of an inside tradition of pluralism, pacifism, and financial pragmatism. Third, extra so within the particular context of the UAE, the management of the nation felt that its self-interest was nearly antithetical to the conflictual hues and traits that mark the political actuality of the broader West Asian area, the place puritanical notions of the religion and exclusivist concepts of collective id rule the roost.
Additionally necessary is to grasp the UAE’s self-image and the best way it desires to be seen and appreciated by the world. There are 4 traits by which the nation defines itself and desires to be revered. It desires to set itself aside from most of its neighbours when it comes to its tolerance and acceptance of diversities in its midst and outdoors. As an example, Saudi Arabia nonetheless doesn’t permit anyplace of worship apart from that of Islam on its soil, whereas the UAE has round 50 church buildings belonging to completely different denominations, just a few temples (the primary Hindu temple was established in Dubai in 1958), gurdwaras, and a synagogue.
The Abrahamic Household Home, lately opened to the general public, is house to Moses Ben Maimon Synagogue, St Francis Church and Eminence Ahmed El-Tayeb Mosque. That this tradition of lodging predates the formation of the UAE is critical, as the primary church in Abu Dhabi was consecrated in 1965 within the presence of the then ruler of Abu Dhabi, six years earlier than the Union was born. This reveals that the UAE’s rulers and other people didn’t abruptly uncover the virtues of cultural pluralism and coexistence as a home or overseas coverage crucial however have been deeply dedicated to the thought of pluralism past political and industrial expediencies.
The second attribute that the UAE defines itself with is its dedication to pursue insurance policies, each home and world which are usually daring and at odds with the regional mainstream. That is amply manifested within the determination to signal the Abraham Accords with the State of Israel and the Doc on Human Fraternity for World Peace with Pope Francis. The latest withdrawal of armed forces from Yemen may be seen as a part of this resolve to steer a path of self-interest and away from a herd mentality. The third attribute that marks the UAE’s self-image is the care and concern that the management shows with regard to the tens of millions of foreigners and financial immigrants dwelling within the nation. A telling instance was the speech delivered by Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan at first of the Covid-19 pandemic. Expressing the federal government’s dedication to battle the pandemic tooth and nail, the then Crown Prince and now President made a passionate assertion that he and his authorities would shield each the residents and the residents in equal measure. And he saved his phrase.
The fourth and maybe probably the most salient facet of the UAE’s coverage of lodging is its authorized and social framework that not solely decries but in addition criminalises any try at inter-religious strife inside its borders. The legislation of the land protects the sanctities and sacred objects of all faiths with none hierarchisation amongst them. This was most exemplified within the Federal Decree Legislation No. 34 of 2023 regarding Combating Discrimination, Hatred and Extremism, which prohibits assaults and stipulates extreme punishment on spiritual beliefs of all hues, injury and insult of holy books and disrespectful behaviour in direction of locations of worship. That the legislation doesn’t privilege Islam over different faiths being practised within the nation is an eloquent testimony to the magnanimity of the UAE’s imaginative and prescient of tolerance and respect.
After all, most of the insurance policies talked about above could also be criticised whereas scrutinising them in particular element, however it’s incontrovertible that these signify a transparent, moral and ethical dedication in opposition to zealotry, hate and division. That is the context through which a marvellous Hindu temple of beautiful architectural and civilisational worth has come up in Abu Dhabi.
Shajahan Madampat is a author and cultural commentator primarily based in Abu Dhabi. The views expressed are private
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