His Excellency General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Minister of Interior, today held a virtual meeting with His Excellency Mr. Yousif Saleh Al Saleh, Chairman of Jaffari Endowments Council and a number of of representatives of the General Authority of Hussaini Processions and presidents of Maatams in the different governorates of the Kingdom.

The meeting was held on the occasion of the success of Ashoora season that was marked in the midst of the precautionary measures, as part of the national efforts to combat the novel Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, and it was also attended by Chief of Public Security and Governors.

HE the Minister of Interior asserted the importance of holding this annual meeting as part of the community partnership of the Ministry of Interior, adding that the extraordinary circumstances witnessed by Bahrain and the world due to the global outbreak of the pandemic led to holding the meeting remotely.

General Shaikh Rashid also explained that the meeting comes in line with the wise approach of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to ensure the safety and comfort of citizens, noting to the Royal care and support to Ashoora season and keenness to mark it in the appropriate way, commensurate with its values and status.

HE the Minister stated that the commemoration of the Ashoora season in Bahrain is derived from the approach of the ancestors and represents an urban Bahraini specialty that carries several features in its essence, such as religious freedom and respect of Respect for sectarian pluralism.

General Shaikh Rashid also said that the success achieved during the Ashoora season this year has been the result of cooperation and coordination between all concerned ministries and institutions, through the provision of necessary services and requirements, and the implementation of precautionary measures outlined by the Medical Team, in order to ensure the safety for all.  

HE the Minister praised the efforts of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, Prime Minister, and the support of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, and His Royal Highness's leadership of Team Bahrain to combat coronavirus and its positive reflection on the kingdom’s achievements, which have earned the acclaim of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and is considered a national pride.

General Shaikh Rashid asserted that the success of Ashoora season and the commitment to the medical team procedures reflect public awareness and national responsibility. He also hailed the commitment and cooperation of heads of Maatams and officials and members of the General Authority of Hussaini Processions, at the same time he also thanked the chairman and members of the Jaffari Endowments Council for their constructive cooperation.

On this occasion, HE the Minister stated: “We have been in direct contact with you and continuously coordinated with the medical team as part of the work of Team Bahrain. We appreciate your role and responsibility that we hope will continue with the same level of national spirit to serve Bahrain and protect national accomplishments.”

He also expressed thanks and appreciation to governors for their efforts, follow-up and coordination to provide the required services, to the Chief of Public Security, officers, commissioned officers, and personnel, especially the members of the Community Police who have been committed to their duties at all sites and conditions.

HE the Minister said that this year’s Ashoora season had witnessed commitment to religious addressand social distancing as part of the awareness and sense of national responsibility of the people.

General Shaikh Rashid concluded his speech at the meeting by asserting that the freedom of practising religious rituals is protected by the constitution and the law, highlighting that the Ministry of Interior is dedicated to ensuring that those freedoms aren’t exploited to break the law or traditions, through providing the appropriate services for the success of all religious occasions.

The minister listened to the statements of the heads and officials of Maatams about efforts to ensure the success of Ashoora rituals. In this context, Jaffari Endowments Council Chairman extended his gratitude to HM the King for the keynote speech HM had delivered marking the end of Ashoora season, noting to its positive impact on the people of Bahrain, in line with the approach of the previous rulers of Bahrain in caring for such rituals throughout the years. The Chairman also thanked HRH the Premier and HRH the Crown Prince for their utmost care for religious rituals, especially the Ashoora season. He also paid tribute to the Ministry of Interior, on behalf of the heads of Maatams and Hussaini centres, for its efforts to protect security and stability, as well as ensure the safety of people while marking religious occasions.

For their part, the attending heads of Maatams expressed thanks and appreciation to HE the Minister of Interior for his cooperation and keenness to provide all the necessary facilitations to successfully mark the Ashoora commemorations, at the same time, they praised the role played by governors to follow up, cooperate and coordinate with the related bodies to ensure the success of the season. They also underlined the importance of confronting those who attempt to exploit this occasion and disturb it, and the need to support moderate religious address and reject sectarianism in the framework of the efforts exerted to strengthen the bonds of love and respect among the people of Bahrain.