World Interfaith Harmony Week is celebrated during the first week of February, between the 1st till 7th of February. The day promotes harmony and understanding among people of different faiths, beliefs, and cultures.
King Abdullah II of Jordan at the United Nations in 2010 proposed to observe the World Interfaith Harmony Week. The resolution was quickly adopted by the United Nations General Assembly.
The Common World initiative, started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbor, without nevertheless compromising any of their , religious tenets.
The Two commandments are at the heart of the three Monotheistic religions and therefore provide the most solid theological ground possible.
Significance of Week of Interfaith Harmony
In a world beleaguered by many daunting challenges, the need for global solidarity and cooperation in meeting these challenges together has never been greater.
At the core of all the faith systems and traditions is the recognition that we are all in this together and that we need to love and support one another to live in harmony and peace in an environmentally sustainable world.
Moreover, the need for spiritual guidance has never been greater. We must double our efforts to spread the message of good neighborliness based on our common humanity, a message shared by all faith traditions.
Subsequently, the United Nations General Assembly declared the first week of February each year as World Interfaith Harmony Week, calling on governments, institutions, and civil society to observe it with various programs and initiatives that would promote the aim of the WIHW objectives.
In Particular, the General Assembly pointed out that mutual understanding and inter-religious dialogue constitute important dimensions of a culture of peace and established World Interfaith Harmony Week as a way to promote harmony between all people regardless of their faith.
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While recognizing the imperative need for dialogue among different faiths and religions to enhance mutual understanding, harmony, and cooperation among people, everyone should participate voluntarily and according to their religious traditions or convictions.
The General Assembly encourages all States to spread the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples, and other places of worship during this week.
