The Hashemites’ history has been marked with glory and pride. The deep-rooted Jordanian state was based on moderation, dialogue, and democracy for with over a hundred years it has been a beacon of achievement marked by  the attainment of unity, belonging to the pure land, and loyalty to the dear Hashemite throne.

His Majesty King Abdullah II received awards in the field of interfaith dialogue, brotherhood, and peace. He was awarded the Lamp of Peace Award (2019), the Templeton Prize (2018), the Westphalia Prize (2016), Peacemaker Award (2007), St. Andrew Prize (2006), the Golden Medal of Athens ( 2005, and the  Political Courage Award (2003).

Director of the Catholic Center for Studies and Media in Jordan Fr. Dr. Rif’at Bader said that His Majesty the King was awarded in 2018 and 2019 the Lamp of Peace Award and the Templeton Prize (2018), and this is a tribute to this distinguished Jordanian achievement in the fields of interfaith harmony, in the pursuit of the peace plan, and in the rejection of all forms of violence.

He indicated that interfaith dialogue transcends formal dialogues and discourses to the point of attaining societal cohesion and non-discrimination among citizens on the bases of ethnicity, religion or sectarianism, by adopting initiatives that reflect the internal Jordanian image and exposing it to the world.

He pointed out that Jordan is proud of its sacred history, as it is an integral part of the land of holiness and sacrifice.  Prophet Moses and the other prophets, peace be upon them, crossed this land, and here Lord Jesus was baptized. We find that mosques are adjacent to ancient churches, which reflects respect for religions.

Fr. Bader noted that Jordan received several prominent religious figures in the world, foremost of whom being four Popes who were blessed by the waters of the River Jordan, and who spread messages of peace, love and unity from Jordan to the entire countries of the world.

 Grand Mufti of Jordan Sheikh Abdul Karim Khasawneh said: When His Majesty King Abdullah II assumed his constitutional powers, he efficiently and ably fulfilled the message of fathers and grandfathers where he defended justice in all forums. He also launched the Amman Message, the tolerant message of Islam, and the Common Word initiative which entrenches common living. Furthermore, the World Interfaith Harmony Week  initiative served as a global event which was adopted by the United Nations to be marked on the first week of February every year as an occasion to remind the world of the values of love and harmony.

Minister of Political and Parliamentary Affairs Engineer Musa Ma’aitah, said: The rule of law and political participation have been the basis of the Hashemite policy since the establishment of the emirate. He pointed out that respect for plurality within the society is considered a priority in the Jordanian political system as it is based on the foundations of moderation, respect for citizens and their dignity which explains the cohesion of the extended Jordanian family and their rallying behind the Hashemite leadership.