Bahrain determined to consolidate religious freedom
(Manama) – His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, at Sakhir Palace, received Chairman of Jaafari Endowment Council, Shaikh Mohsen Abdulhussain Al-Asfoor, accompanied with a delegation from the General Authority for Hussaini Processions, marking the conclusion of Ashoora season.
Shaikh Al-Asfoor and the accompanying delegation expressed sincere loyalty to HM the King and gratitude for his directives to various government agencies to provide services and facilitations during the Ashura occasion, which contributed to its success.
Following the recitation of verses from the holy Quran, HM the King said:
“It gives us great pleasure to meet you on the occasion of the end of Ashoora as one of the most important religious events celebrated by the Islamic world.
It is an occasion that all Muslims are keen to honour through prayers, fasting, reading the Holy Book and reflecting on the values of Islam and its unifying and universal principles for Muslims of all denominations and which calls on them to promote the compassion, reconciliation, co-existence and tolerance of our true religion, both in words and deeds.
For us in the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Bahraini society has always been keen to see the rituals of Ashoora marked with with appreciation and respect, as a historic feature that has been unique to the Kingdom of Bahrain.
While we are proud of the great freedom enjoyed by Bahrain in the exercise of religious rituals without any sense of division or discrimination, we would like to emphasize that the preservation of these broad levels of religious freedom is a shared responsibility.
We all must maintain this civilized model and continue embracing religious and sectarian pluralism through peaceful co-existence and harmony and in a manner that reflects the noble morals and profound values of the people of Bahrain and their respect for their social fabric and their common living throughout the ages.
We would like to express our thanks to the concerned ministries and institutions, particularly the Ministry of the Interior, for their high level efforts, whether through the provision of security or community services, which have greatly contributed to the observance of the rituals with the necessary care and protection.
We also extend our thanks to the Jaafari Endowment and the people in charge of community centres for their good organization and follow-up to ensure the success of the Ashoora season. We are thankful to all for their good cooperation and we ask Gold the Almighty to make our Kingdom the custodian of the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence and to perpetuate love and generosity among its people.
Peace, and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you.”
Jaafari Endowment Chairman, in his speech, expressed appreciation of the royal interest in marking the annual Ashoora rituals in the context of national unity and coexistence.
He welcomed the government support, led by HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for facilitating the revival of Ashoora rituals.
He commended cooperation with the Interior Ministry led by Lt-Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and the follow up of the ministry’s officials. He also extended thanks to other ministries and government agencies for their cooperation that contributed to the success of the Ashoora season.
