Bahrain land of religious freedom, tolerance: Community centres’ heads

Manama, July 20 (BNA): A number of heads of Husseini offices (community centers) said that the Kingdom of Bahrain guarantees the freedom to perform Husseini rituals in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, pointing out that the Kingdom adopts a civilized approach that guarantees the practice of religious and social rituals in accordance with the laws and regulations in force.

In statements to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA) on the sidelines of their meeting with the Minister of Interior, Major General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the heads of community centers praised the annual support of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for them, stressing the need not to politicize religious discourse and rituals in order to preserve their sanctity, preserve the social fabric of the Kingdom, and consolidate national unity.

They also urged the integration of efforts to ensure the success of the commemoration of Ashura this year to achieve its goals and advance society intellectually and morally.

In this regard, Fouad Ahmed Al-Hajji, a member of the Shura Council and a member of the General Authority for Husseini Processions in Manama, indicated that His Majesty the King is the first supporter of the annual Husseini rituals, within the framework of coexistence, brotherhood, and religious and social integration that the Kingdom has enjoyed throughout its history.

He also praised the noble national efforts made by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, to implement the royal directives to harness all capabilities for the success of the Ashura commemoration.

Haji praised the Ministry of Interior for its dedication to providing a safe environment to perform the Husayni rituals in an organized manner, and urged heads of community centers, procession officials, preachers and pioneers to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities to achieve the goals of Ashura commemoration.

He added that Bahrain has always been known as the land of coexistence, brotherhood, intimacy and love, as it adheres to moderation and balance in all aspects of life.

Faisal Hassan bin Rajab, head of the “Bin Rajab” Community Center and the General Authority for Husseini Processions, extends his thanks and gratitude to His Majesty the King for His Majesty’s unlimited support for the Husseini community centers and his direct interest in religious events, praising the positive results of the Minister of Interior’s meeting with the heads of community centers.

He stressed that there is no need to host foreign singers, as the commemoration of Al-Asora has a national character in Bahrain, as it is a comprehensive occasion that brings together all sects, and reflects the prevailing values ​​of tolerance and respect for religion, in line with the directives of the leadership to support these noble social values ​​that have always been distinctive features of the Bahraini people.

Dr. Hassan Humaid Al-Areed, Head of Al-Areed Community Center in Manama, praised the results of the meeting with the Minister of Interior.

He stressed the great role played by the Bahraini (guides) in preserving the religious aspect of the Ashura commemoration, without turning it into a tourist or political event, stressing that the event has its sanctity, and everyone must commemorate it in a way that does not contradict the constants of the homeland.

Businessman Muhammad Abbas Bilgic, head of the Al-Ajam Al-Kabir Community Center, praised the Minister of Interior’s great interest in setting all the requirements for success for the Ashura commemoration.

He stressed that the success of the event is a shared responsibility, praising the Minister of Interior and the Governor of the Capital for meeting the needs of the participants in the event.

Ghaleb Al-Sayed Mukhtar Al-Alawi, head of the Al-Qasab Community Center in Manama, expressed his thanks and appreciation to His Majesty the King for his unlimited support for the Ashura commemoration, stressing that Bahrain is setting an example in giving complete freedom to community centers to commemorate Ashura.

He emphasized that the meeting with the Minister of Interior was fruitful, praising the agreement of the heads of the Hasimiya community centers to adopt Bahraini pioneers only, as the Ashura commemoration is a purely religious occasion that has nothing to do with religious tourism.

Ali Ahmed Issa, from Al-Hadi Community Center in Al-Dair, confirmed that the meeting with the Minister of Interior was very fruitful, noting that his village includes qualified Bahraini pioneers. He also praised the full cooperation of Muharraq Governorate officials.

Mustafa Hamid Hassan, from the Imam Al-Muntazer Community Center in Al-Deir, said that the meeting with the Minister of Interior was cordial, and reflects the existing community partnership in making this occasion a success.

Attia Abdul-Hussein Ahmed Al-Sakran, Head of the Waleed Al-Kaaba Community Center in Muharraq, confirmed that everyone will fully adhere to the laws and regulations to ensure the success of the Ashura commemoration.

Saleh Abdel Hamid, head of the Southern Naeem Community Center, indicated that the meeting with the Minister of Interior will contribute to reducing violations.

Abdullah Abdulaziz Al-Janousani, head of the Jannusan Community Center, praised the continuous cooperation between the Jaafari Endowments, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs and Endowments, noting that Bahrain, unlike other countries, enjoys freedom of religion and belief.

Maher Abdul-Jabbar Al-Areedh, Vice President of Al-Areedh Community Center, praised the quality of services provided by the state for the Ashura commemoration, noting His Majesty the King’s firm support for Bahraini community centers, citing the annual royal grant to them.

Nader Hassan Hajji, Secretary General of the Husseiniya in Muharraq, praised the annual meeting with the Minister of Interior, stressing adherence to the religious aspect of the occasion, and full commitment to laws and regulations.

Ahmed Jumaa, head of the Ansar Al-Hussein Community Center, indicated that the statements of the Minister of Interior will contribute to the success of the event.

Abdul Moneim Youssef Al-Banna, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Al-Hussainiya Al-Haydariya, indicated that the Minister of Interior affirmed respect for all sects in Bahrain and his pride in the religious events held in Bahrain.

Ahmed Al-Sayyed Shubar Al-Musawi from the village of Hamala said that the meeting with the Minister of Interior was fruitful, praising the Minister’s praise for the high efficiency of Bahrain’s Radoud.

Sayed Jaafar Al Sharaf, head of the Majaba Community Center, affirmed that community centers in Bahrain always enjoy the support of the leadership, noting that the Kingdom is a land of religious tolerance.

Salman Youssef, head of the Ansar Social Justice Center in Diraz, said that the success of the Ashura commemoration came as a result of the concerted efforts of all, pointing out that the Minister of Interior focused on the scourge of drugs as a phenomenon harmful to all segments of society, calling for more cooperation to combat drugs.

He stressed that Bahraini pioneers (reciters or reciters) are qualified enough to commemorate Ashura in a spirit of responsibility, taking into account national constants and focusing on topics that adhere to the essence of the occasion.

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