An initiative based in the United Arab Emirates uses the power of prayer to lift the spirits of the whole world during this difficult time.
The "Pray for Humanity" initiative made May 14th the designated day to reach people around the world, in 14 languages, to fast, pray and express themselves spiritually.
The goal is to change the mood in the face of the mighty coronavirus epidemic, which has seen many people affected by isolation and fear.
Organizers hope that a unified movement will connect and emotionally elevate people when they otherwise feel the impact of social estrangement.
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The initiative was founded by the United Arab Emirates Higher Committee of Human Brotherhood (HCHF), a diverse group of international religious and cultural leaders.
"The pandemic has caused the construction of new bridges," said Dr Sultan Al Remeithi, member of the HCHF and secretary general of the Muslim Council of Elders.
He told Euronews that Praying for Humanity has had a positive impact on the link between European countries and those in the Middle East.
"This initiative has reinforced this idea of brotherhood between the two."
Watch religious leaders and practitioners encourage World Day of Prayer by clicking on the video in the media player above
Across religions and platforms
The date of May 14 falls in sacred time for a variety of religions, including Islam under which the faithful fast from dawn to dusk during the month of Ramadan, especially towards the end of the holy month. , who is believed to be particularly blessed.
The day before, many Christians celebrated the anniversary of the appearance of the Lady of Fatima. There is also Lag B’Omer earlier this week, a special day in Jewish faith commemorating 2nd century Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.
The global meeting saw pre-arranged virtual prayer sessions, a full day live broadcast of world prayer
, as well as other participants who show their dedication by sharing photos, videos or their words of support via social networks, using the initiative's hashtag.
An English teacher in Tunisia tweeted support for the initiative and asked people of all faiths to "join this situation," writes Feten Melliti.
On Twitter, the user scott853 created a digital map where people can share the geolocation of their prayers, with presentations from the United States. United States, South Africa, Philippines and European countries.
Support through belief systems.
Pope Francis, head of the Catholic Church, and Ahmed Al Tayeb, grand imam of the Al Azhar Mosque in Egypt, as well as other prominent religious and community leaders, have pledged their support.
"God knows we need it," said Rabbi Yehuda Sarna, chief rabbi of the Emirates' Jewish community, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"After spending so many weeks and months of anxiety, isolation and quarantine. It's time to slowly get back together, "he said in a video
shared by HCHF on Twitter.
In Abu Dhabi, Hindu communities have spoken out behind the call to join in religious prayer. Indonesian President Joko Widodo said ministers and religious leaders from his country will also unite.
The President of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, joined the spiritual appeal, as well as the Liberian peace activist Leymah Gbowee.
The influence of prayer.
Regional celebrities and social media influencers are also participating in the online meeting.
Emirati singer Ahlam shared her participation on social media and said she and her family would pray together to support him.
"With the whole world, for the good of humanity," she said, in a video message to HCHF.
Former UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova has shown her support and said that everyone in the world should take this step, out of solidarity.
Egyptian actress and former UN goodwill ambassador, Safia El Emari, also joined the ranks, saying she will pray for the world and for humanity.
Sacred beginnings
Last year, in February, the United Arab Emirates received Pope Francis to celebrate Holy Mass at the Zayed Sports City stadium in Abu Dhabi, marking the first papal visit from the Roman Catholic Church to the Arabian Peninsula.
He gave a papal mass to some 180,000 Catholics in the UAE, where one million Catholics live, depending on the country. official news agency.
During the pope's three-day visit, he signed a joint declaration with Al Tayeb, the grand imam of the Al Azhar mosque, called "Document on human brotherhood for world peace and coexistence"
The agreement, promoted from an open discussion between the two leaders, on how to advance the "culture of human respect" worldwide, and has led to a series of initiatives taking place since February 2019, including the Pray for Humanity initiative.
There are also plans to build the Abrahamic family home, a complex in the UAE capital that will house a synagogue, a mosque and a church, which will be kept together for worship and also to encourage interfaith dialogue.
These and other initiatives are being prepared to provide support to international communities of all World Health Organization
Here are the prayers issued in twelve different languages by the Higher Committee for Human Brotherhood:
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