“None of you truly believes until you love for your neighbor what you love for yourself.” A saying of the Prophet Mohammad [PBUH]: [Lyrics from ‘The Gift of Love’].
With the common underlying message of all major faiths, “Love of God and Love of the neighbor; or Love of the Good and Love of the neighbor,” Jordan unleashes what they’re calling the world’s first interfaith anthem as part of the World Interfaith Harmony Week initiative.
The Gift of Love is Interfaith Anthem is composed, arranged and performed by the well-known singer Sami Yusuf, who’s better known in the Middle East for his song Al Mu’allem.
“What a relief! To give my love, I am now you, And you are my love!” [Lyrics from ‘The Gift of Love’].
In the words of one of the producers of the music video, Osama Alshurafa, “Most of the problems and challenges we face in today’s world are rooted in egocentricity. The message of this Anthem is a selfless one promoting love of the Divine and one’s neighbor.”
Filmed on location in Jordan and in East Jerusalem, Siros Kerdouni, a film director from L.A. joined forces with aspiring filmmakers in Jordan to make the music video for the anthem. The video beautifully captures some of the symbolic sites in Jordan, including the King Hussein Mosque in Amman, the Citadel, the Holy Baptism Site, Petra, and Wadi Rum; with exclusive shots also filmed in Jerusalem. The idea of the video draws on all faiths, no matter the belief, in coming together to express the message of love.
Spread the ‘The Gift of Love’ to those you love, and enjoy this week’s call to peace, harmony and love among followers of all faiths. The World Interfaith Harmony Week provides a platform—the first week of February, annually—when all interfaith groups and other groups of goodwill can show the world what a powerful movement they are.
For more information: You can participate in the World Interfaith Harmony Week by visiting their website and submitting an event here.