Tolerance is a value engraved in our roots

The need for tolerance and rationality to prevail over obscurantism and blind hatred has become increasingly urgent, writes the Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council.

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan is the Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Mohamed Al Hammadi / Crown Prince Court - Abu Dhabi
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Today the world celebrates tolerance, a supreme value and one of the universal principles connecting all of us. International Day of Tolerance goes beyond the bounds of mere festivities and enters the realm of necessity. Humanity is threatened by conflicts and clashes because of a lack of tolerance. Some communities insist on destroying what modern society has achieved. Therefore, this day becomes even more important. The need for tolerance and rationality to prevail over obscurantism and blind hatred has become increasingly urgent.

In the UAE, since the dawn of the state founded by the late Sheikh Zayed, we have realised the fundamental importance of tolerance in the process of state building.

From the very beginning, the challenge was to find a system that unites people from different nationalities, cultures and directions under one flag. At every turn, Sheikh Zayed leapt at the opportunity to show that tolerance is not a mere idea but a comprehensive philosophy and a continuously developing plan. It is based on conviction, a practice and a system of procedures, not just a slogan or a theory.

In conjunction with the tolerance day celebrations, the UAE is once again introducing initiatives, visions and laws to set an example. The Emirati story, whose success we are completely assured of, will surely be a beacon of hope for the entire world and a true example that there is always some way to change the storyline.

The UAE does not view its projects and plans from a local vision or its own interest alone. In addition to assuring its citizens’ happiness and well-being, it plays the role of a partner in humanity and considers as one of its duties any initiatives that promote enlightenment to confront terrorism and defeat intolerance. We must spread peace and build bridges of cooperation, communication, coexistence and dialogue. These are the real meanings of tolerance.

The creation of the Ministry of Tolerance, under the directives and guidance of Sheikh Khalifa, the President, in accordance with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, and of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, was one step among many initiatives that pour into the same goal: to make tolerance a strategy for the present and the future.

In this context, we can’t separate the creation of the ministry and its accompanying initiatives and projects from the issuance of the law renouncing hatred, nor separate the latter from issuing the national literacy law or the moral education initiatives.

It is by spreading awareness and promoting culture and reading as well as reviewing and developing educational curricula and upholding the rule of law that it becomes possible to make tolerance a safe haven for hope and growth, instead of creating a space where intolerance can rule. Through tolerance, humanity can hope for a better life ruled by welfare and justice.

On tolerance day, the UAE affirms its will to move forward with this approach. We have every faith that the fruit of these labours will be reaped by Emirati citizens, future generations and residents. Each and every country, community and person harmed by the spirit of despair and by the ugly exploitation of the hopelessness among young people will benefit from the UAE’s vision for tolerance.

We remember the brilliant example of Sir Bani Yas monastery in UAE, whose history dates back to the 7th century and of which Sheikh Zayed, in his wider cultural vision, declared one of the divine religious architectures belonging to Abraham, father of the prophets. His Highness’s patronage confirms the deep cultural legacy that this country holds. From here, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed’s decision emerged to preserve and promote the monastery, leaning on the late Sheikh Zayed’s traditions who saw in this monastery an edifying cultural landmark for humanity as well as the ancient societies that inhabited the region and whose history is still vibrant today.

The late Sheikh Zayed always confirmed that tolerance is a historical value engraved in the UAE’s roots, not a mere ephemeral or temporary issue. The starting point is his deep understanding of the best manifestations of Islam in the relationship between people as well as inspiring our civilisation which nurtured places of worship and their communities.

A prominent memorial has, since 2008, been found in front of the Crown Prince Court in Abu Dhabi. It includes nine pillars representing the word “tolerance”. It reflects the state’s continuous quest to reject extremism and hatred and associate with cultural diversity.

Many have previously failed to see the real significance of these steps carried out by the UAE towards promoting tolerance and its values through national laws and programmes.

We are doing that firstly for ourselves as Emirati people. We are contributing to the stability and strength of society while seeking to build a generation that is also at peace with the world.

This greatest human principle called “tolerance” is also a long-term investment and a strong foundation. It preserves the main values of our nationality and our sacred religion, as well as restores to Islam its freshness, vitality and grace as being a religion for the whole humanity, and the first and most important beacon to accept others in peaceful coexistence. This is what this statue in front of the Crown Prince Court in Abu Dhabi symbolises.

Finally, we remember the words of our Lord God the Almighty: “We have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another”.

The UAE will always follow this path with pure determination and resolve to succeed, with the blessing of the good seed sown by the late Sheikh Zayed, which will blossom in gardens and trees, embracing all humankind under their branches without any discrimination or division.

Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed is Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council