Bahrain has succeeded in foiling subversive plots seeking to undermine national security and stability, according to Interior Minister Lieutenant-General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa.
He paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa for leading the nation to thwart subversive designs, lauding him for his firm keenness on fostering human rights and guaranteeing basic liberties, in conformity with tolerant Islamic Sharia precepts.
Lt- Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa was speaking as he met with religious scholars and leading Bahraini personalities and dignitaries. Members of the Supreme Islamic Council, Governors and Police general directors also attended the meeting, which came as part of efforts to reach out to citizens and bolster community partnership.
Addressing the session, he warned against the danger of politicizing religious platforms, stressing the need to insulate such venues from any sectarianism rhetoric. Lt- Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa delivered the following speech:
“I’m glad to welcome you on this wonderful day and to congratulate you on the Islamic New Year; on this occasion we remember the journey of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) from Mecca to Medina. This journey is a milestone in Islamic history, a turning point in Islam, and the foundation of the Islam nation that has spread worldwide”.
“I find this to be an excellent occasion in which to meet religious scholars and leading figures in Bahrain to discuss how places of worship can protect the unity of Muslims. These places are centers of Islamic trust that should be protected by preachers and the appropriate government agencies. The role of these religious institutions is clear; to uphold the word of God almighty and to remind people of the sayings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)”.
“The most dangerous issue in Islam is when places of worship adopt a sectarian or political approach. Places of worship were created to unite Muslims and to promote stability and social foundations based on noble principles and should therefore only be used for that purpose.”
“Just because a preacher delivers a sermon does not mean an automatic immunity from the law for preachers. Preachers have the responsibility to protect their places of worship rather than to exploit them to spread incitement and division. The law penalizes the spreading of hatred and incitement, regardless of where the speech takes place or of the person who delivers that speech”.
“This topic is appropriate today, as not all people in Bahrain have considered the interests of the nation and its social stability. Achieving stability after a disturbance or unrest requires solid principles and clear intent. Places of worship are the basic foundation of our Islamic culture that exists in order to reinforce Islamic principles and call for brotherhood, harmony and synergy between Muslims and others, in addition to promoting national unity”.
“Preachers should protect their own reputations in front of God when they address worshipers and make sure that their places of worship provide guidance and righteousness. If a place of worship becomes political then it loses its holy and religious status”.
“Politics is not banned, but it should be confined to political societies who express their views through the media. Places of worship should be left to focus on Islamic values and national principles that support different opinions and points of view”.
“We are used to meeting at this time every year to exchange views and to celebrate the marking of Ashoora. We are all keen to respect this spiritual atmosphere and its meaningful traditions”.
“In the past, we have all ensured that the occasion is celebrated in a way that reflects its deep religious meaning. I thank the committed Mattams (Community Centres) for marking the event in an appropriate way. However, recent appearances of some Hussainya processions have nothing to do with Ashoora and are instead acts contrary to the law. It is your obligation and responsibility to make sure that this religious occasion is respected and to avoid activities that could lead to the arrest of those responsible”.
“God has helped us and we have been able, because of our national will, under the leadership of His Majesty the King, may God protect him, to effectively manage antagonistic forces against us. In this context, I will never forget, as long as I live, the blood of the martyrs who have died on-duty, nor will I forget the policemen who have been wounded or the pain of the mothers who have experienced such loss. But today, we are confronting organizations that take a specific stance on Bahrain without seeking, understanding or appreciating the truth. They blindly ignore our human rights and political achievements. These organizations are the impetus for the law breaking done by individuals who are influenced by their messages”.
“Reports and inflammatory statements by these organizations are prejudice against the humanitarian achievements of the Kingdom of Bahrain. This doesn’t reflect the impartiality and objectivity that we expect from institutions that claim to be “developed.” In fact, the open political scene and the freedom of expression in this country is a main factor in allowing for the negative interference against Bahrain”.
“The concern of HM the King regarding the reinforcement of human rights in the Kingdom of Bahrain and its basic freedoms comes from HM’s desire to apply Islamic values in words and deeds, as the freedom of religion, the sanctity of places of worship, freedom of worship, equality, justice and Shura are matters affirmed by the National Action Charter and the constitution”.
“HM the King has been committed to establishing constitutional and legal organizations to protect human rights and freedoms through the Legislative Authority of its two councils, the Constitutional Court, the National Institution of Human Rights, the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI), the National Committee to follow up the implementation of the BICI recommendations, the Police Ombudsman and the Commission of the Rights of Prisoners and Detainees, in addition to the implementation of international commitments in relevant international agreements and conventions. With the major human rights and freedom of expression achievements in this country, we should question the motives of some other countries and organizations that ignore all of this progress”.
“We are capable of overcoming obstacles through national unity and the principles we have all agreed upon. By grace of God we have all of the elements necessary to protect our values and the accomplishments”.
“We pray to God to protect our leader and the Kingdom of Bahrain and to bring our hearts together and to protect our unity and brotherhood in security, safety, stability, prosperity and peace”