MENA Celebrates Interfaith Harmony Week With ‘Inner Contentment’

22 February 2013
Regional Coordinator for URI-Middle East and North Africa
group photo

Dear all,

Greetings of love and peace.

In honoring World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), the Gathering for Happiness and Quested Peace CCs organized a harmony enrichment activity under the name “Building Inner Contentment” at URI MENA’s new office in Amman, Jordan.

The first 15 minutes were dedicated as a tribute to the peace activist and URI leader Irfan Ali (1980-2013) who lost his life in the twin blasts in Quetta, Pakistan on Jan 10, 2013.  Regional Coordinator Mamoun Ahmad gave a brief summary of Irfan’s life and work, indicating how he had dedicated his life to justice and peace, and exposed himself to danger for their sake.

Mamoun added, “Irfan lived what he said: ‘I am born to fight for human rights and peace. My religion is respect and love for all the religions.’ ”

We then dedicated two minutes of silence to Irfan, followed by two prayers for his soul (Islamic and Baha’i).

Afterward, Ms. Reeman Najem, Coordinator of the Gathering for Happiness CC , introduced the World Interfaith Harmony Week (WIHW), highlighting major activities that are taking place throughout the week in Jordan and across the globe. Then she introduced Madam Najwa Al Zahhar, a spiritual Muslim activist, who has dedicated her life to bringing happiness and positive energy to people. She has worked with unfortunate people, including the disabled, seriously- ill children and elders to relieve their suffering.

Madam Al Zahhar took the lead and introduced her techniques of relaxation and contentment.  Madam Najwa invited the participants to practice her techniques while listening to her spiritual music coupled with positive energy words. “Contentment and light” were all over the place, and many of us felt out of this world for about 40 minutes:  flying in the sky, connected with other people who we had loved and lost, etc.  Some felt deep happiness and satisfaction.

In love and peace,

Mamoun Khreisat

Regional Coordinator

URI Middle East and North Africa Region