Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit in the UAE on Sunday came with several new projects in the emirates, including building Abu Dhabi's first Hindu temple.
The Hindu place of worship would be the third in the country, first in Abu Dhabi. And while there were plenty excited about the announcement in the Muslim country, the hashtag "building a Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi" goes to show not everyone in the Gulf feels the same way.
There were several positive responses — not just from the large presence of Indian expats in the country.
@narendramodi Getting land for temple in Abu Dhabi is a historic achievement. ThankU for this precious gift to Hindus living in Abu Dhabi
— Madhu Kishwar (@madhukishwar) August 17, 2015
المسلم هو الوحيد الذي يغضب من بناء معابد دينية على أرضه، بينما يقبل أن تكون معابده منتشره في كل بقاع العالم #بناء_معبد_هندوسي_في_ابوظبي
— Aziz Alqenaei (@Azizalqenaei) August 19, 2015Only Muslims refuse other religion’s temples on their lands while he builds his own temples in all corners of the world.
If only others were so understanding; Saudis were especially vocal about just what they thought of the temple.
"العلامة" وسيم يوسف يهاجم الامارات #بناء_معبد_هندوسي_في_أبوظبي ويقول ( مايجوز ) pic.twitter.com/TIEHiqrR6r
— خالد المرباطي (@ayoobifm) August 19, 2015The famous Emirati mentor Waseem Yousef said that all Muslim sheikhs agreed that building temples for infidels is forbidden.
ماذا تتوقع من دولة صنفت إتحاد علماء المسلمين، وعشرات المؤسسات والكتائب الإسلامية بالتنظيمات الإرهابية! واضحه. #بناء_معبد_هندوسي_في_ابوظبي
— مُحمّد.. (@_m7md___) August 19, 2015What would you expect from a country that categorized several Islamic groups and institutions as terrorist.
#بناء_معبد_هندوسي_في_ابوظبي لهذا الحد اصبح الكفر بالله تطور ..الى أين يا #الامارات
— huda aLshahrany (@hmsh_02) August 19, 2015To which level will the UAE reach ... This is clear infidelity.
Regardless, Modi was still greeted with a crowded stadium in Dubai, where a large presence of Indian expats opened him with welcome arms. Here are some photos of his greeting.
Modi has been a popular politician with India since he first joined the running for prime minister in 2013. After a long line of political dynasties, he joined the nationalist organization as a man with refreshingly humble beginnings — the son of a tea vendor.
By Hayat Norimine
