Bahrain does not need preachers or chanters from abroad: Interior Minister

TDT | Manama              

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Interior Minister yesterday issued a clear statement emphasising that Bahrain is not a destination for religious tourism during the Ashura season. The rituals organised here are for the mourners in the Kingdom, said Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

The ministry further said that the Kingdom has qualified people who are always ready to perform their religious responsibilities. "Therefore, we don’t need preachers and chanters from abroad, he said.

The minister was speaking during a meeting on the upcoming Ashura season at the Public Security Officers Club. The meeting was attended by the Chairman of the Jaffary Endowments Directorate, Yousif Saleh Al Saleh, members of the Hussaini Processions Authority, and heads of Maatams (community centres).

Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments; Lieutenant-General Tariq Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security; and Governors were also present. Ashura, which holds immense cultural and religious significance, typically falls on the 10th day of Muharram and marks the commemoration of the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who lost his life in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.

During Ashura, Bahrain undergoes a transformation into a scene of mourning, with processions, gatherings, and rituals taking place throughout the nation.

The Interior Minister stressed that the condolence processions are intended for devoted individuals in the Kingdom, underscoring the importance of respecting the spirituality and privacy of the occasion.

Congratulating the participants on the advent of the new Hijri Islamic year, the ministry acknowledged the success of the previous year’s Ashura season, attributing it to the cooperation and discipline exhibited by various communities.

He asserted that the spirituality and uniqueness of the occasion should be respected while upholding national interests. On this occasion, the ministry also urged everyone to contribute to Bahrain’s fight against drugs, reaffirming the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the future of its youth and nation.

Further, General Shaikh Rashid underlined the importance of upholding social values, rejecting hatred, and working to create a safe and friendly environment.

"We live in a country that needs to direct its joint efforts so that we can face our national challenges," the minister said, stressing the importance of verifying misleading information that seeks to undermine national efforts and create social tension.

Shaikh Rashid also underlined the importance of upholding social values, rejecting hatred, and working to create a safe and friendly environment. The minister thanked the attendees for their efforts, affirming cooperation to organise this year’s Ashura commemoration.

Hussaini maatams thanks Bahrain

Heads of Hussaini maatams (Community centres) praised Bahrain’s commitment to safeguarding the freedom to perform Hussaini rituals in accordance with the Constitution. They commended the Kingdom’s civilised approach to regulating religious and social rituals within the bounds of existing laws.

The statements were made after a meeting with Interior Minister General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, where they emphasised the need for collaborative efforts to ensure a successful Ashura Commemoration this year, aimed at advancing society intellectually and morally.