Awqaf minister attends opening of World Interfaith Harmony Week

AMMAN — Ministry of Awqaf And Islamic Affairs on Monday celebrated the World Interfaith Harmony Week under the theme "Jordan as a Model of Harmony among Religious Sects and Faiths."

The event, organised in collaboration with the Chief Islamic Justice Department, the General Iftaa Department and the Jordanian Interfaith Coexistence Research Centre (JICRC), was held at the King Abdullah I Mosque's Islamic Cultural Centre, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.   

Deputising for Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, Minister of Awqaf Mohammad Khalaileh said that Amman has long been a "model of peaceful coexistence" among its citizens of different religions, fostering what he called "Hashemite harmony rooted in the light of Prophethood."  

Khalaileh stressed that His Majesty King Abdullah introduced Interfaith Harmony Week as a reflection of Jordan’s real-life experience of coexistence, adding that harmony does not mean compromising Islamic values and principles. 

Instead, it represents a positive stance that acknowledges the rights of all people, promote mutual respect, and foster recognition of diversity, the minister noted.  

Chief Islamic Justice Abdul Hafiz Rabtah said: "Today's gathering is a celebration of this annual event, as we recall the shared values of goodness alongside distinguished individuals who look with keen insight into the depth of this Royal vision from His Majesty King Abdullah."  

Grand Mufti Ahmad Hasanat noted that the initiative, launched by King Abdullah, serves as a foundation for peaceful coexistence, stressing that Islam, as a divine faith, inherently calls for mutual respect and universal harmony.

Director of JICRC Father Nabil Haddad said that celebrating harmony is a dedication to a "societal heritage that carries human values." 

"It is a significant expression of pride in the Royal efforts and Hashemite initiatives, which, at the beginning of the third millennium, took the lead in promoting and bringing religious diplomacy to the global stage, Haddad added.