Protecting religious freedom

TDT | Manama

The freedom of practising religious rituals is protected by the constitution and the law, Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said yesterday. The Interior Minister added that the ministry is dedicated to ensuring that those freedoms are not exploited to break the law or traditions, as it continues to provide the appropriate services for the success of all religious occasions.

The Interior Minister was speaking as he held a virtual meeting yesterday with Jaafari Endowments Council chairman Yousif Saleh Al Saleh. The meeting—joined by members of General Authority of Hussaini Processions, Heads of Mattams (Community Centres), the Public Security chief and governors—was held on the occasion of the success of Ashura season, which was marked in the midst of precautionary measures to combat the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Interior Minister pointed out that the meeting was in line with the wise approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to ensure the safety and comfort of citizens, citing the royal care and support to Ashura season and keenness to mark it in the appropriate way, commensurate with its values.

The Interior Minister hailed the efforts of the government, led by His Royal Highness the Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, and supported by His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, to combat COVID-19. He asserted that the success of Ashura season and the commitment to health and safety guidelines reflect public awareness and national responsibility.

He also hailed the commitment and cooperation of community centres’ heads, as well as that of officials and members of the General Authority of Hussaini Processions. He also thanked the chairman and members of the council for their cooperation. The Interior Minister expressed thanks and appreciation to governors for their efforts, follow-up, and coordination to provide the required services.

He also thanked the Public Security chief, officers, commissioned officers, and personnel, especially the community partnership personnel. He said that this year’s Ashura season had witnessed a commitment to religious discourse and social distancing as part of the awareness and sense of national responsibility of the people.

The minister listened to the statements of some community centres’ heads about efforts to ensure the success of Ashura rituals. Meanwhile, the Jaffari Endowments Council chairman extended his gratitude to HM the King for the keynote speech he had delivered marking the end of Ashura season. He also paid tribute to the Interior Ministry for its efforts to protect security and stability, as well as ensuring the safety of people while marking religious occasions.