Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah wins “Peacemakers” award

ABU DHABI - Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah, a prominent Mauritanian-born Islamic scholar and a key figure in the United Arab Emirates' religious and peace-building landscape, has been honoured Thursday with the prestigious "Peacemakers" Award. 

This recognition highlights his lifelong dedication to fostering peace, dialogue, and coexistence, while underscoring the UAE's growing role as a global hub for interfaith harmony and moderate Islamic thought.

The award, presented by the Multi-Faith Neighbours Network, celebrates individuals and leaders who bridge divides across religious, cultural, and communal lines. 

Sheikh Abdullah bin Bayyah received this accolade in early 2026, marking a significant international acknowledgment of his contributions through institutions like the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, which he leads, and the UAE Council for Fatwa, where he serves as chairman.

A Scholar Committed to Peace

Born in 1935, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mahfudh ibn Bayyah is widely regarded as one of the world's leading authorities on Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh) and principles of Islamic legal reasoning (usul al-fiqh). He has held influential positions, including professor of Islamic studies and roles in Mauritania's judiciary before relocating to the Gulf region. In the UAE, he has become a cornerstone of efforts to promote a balanced, contextual understanding of Islam that counters extremism and emphasizes tolerance.

In 2014, he founded the Forum for Promoting Peace in Muslim Societies in Abu Dhabi, an initiative under the patronage of UAE leadership that brings together scholars, thinkers, and policymakers to address conflicts, reject violence in the name of religion, and advocate for peaceful resolutions. 

The forum has issued landmark documents, such as the Charter of the New Alliance of Virtue (2019), which promotes mutual respect among faiths and has been translated and shared widely, including in Hebrew to engage Jewish communities.

Sheikh bin Bayyah's work extends to issuing fatwas condemning terrorism, including early stands against groups like ISIS, and developing concepts like the "jurisprudence of minorities" to guide Muslim communities living in non-Muslim societies toward harmonious integration.

International Recognition and UAE's Vision

This "Peacemakers" Award joins a list of honours bestowed upon Sheikh bin Bayyah, including the King Abdulaziz Medal (highest class), Jordan's King Abdullah II Award for Scholars and Preachers, and the American Jewish Committee's Human Dignity Award in 2023 for his efforts in advancing Muslim-Jewish relations and religious freedom.

The latest award serves as an international tribute to the UAE's broader strategy of positioning itself as a leader in peace initiatives. Through platforms like the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, the Document on Human Fraternity (co-signed by Pope Francis and Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb in 2019), and ongoing interfaith dialogues, the UAE has fostered environments for religious tolerance amid global tensions.

Sheikh bin Bayyah's recognition reflects how scholarly leadership, when aligned with visionary state support, can contribute to global stability. As conflicts persist in various regions, voices like his—rooted in authentic tradition yet forward-looking—offer pathways to reconciliation and shared humanity.

This honour not only celebrates an individual's achievements but also amplifies the UAE's message: peace is achievable through dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to common values that transcend borders and beliefs.