General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, the Interior Minister received Yousif Saleh Al Saleh, Jaffary Endowments Chairman, members of Hussaini Processions Authority and heads of Maatams (Community Centres) as part of efforts to cooperate and coordinate activities related to the commemoration of Ashura.
Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Lieutenant-General Tariq Al Hassan, Chief of Public Security, and Governors attended the meeting.
The meeting came as part of Interior Ministry's commitment to contributing to the success of the commemoration of Ashura, in line with its community partnership strategy and approach of engaging with all sections of society.
The Interior Minister delivered a speech, in which he thanked everyone for attending the meeting, extended his greetings on the new Hijri Islamic year and conveyed the greetings of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.
He said the meeting was a reflection of the Bahraini society's approach of communication and engagement, which contributes to reinforcing national unity and cooperation among citizens.
Such meetings provide a platform to meet people, exchange ideas and views and, enhance the sense of togetherness and unity and foil attempts of discord, the minister said.
The minister expressed his thanks and appreciation to the commitment, cooperation and discipline that contributed to the success of the commemoration of Ashura last year, adding that this reflected social awareness and dedication to national responsibility.
He highlighted the ministry's efforts to contain the spread of illicit drugs in society, urging stronger cooperation from all sections of society in this regard.
The minister asserted that he will spare no effort to counter any issue that may adversely affect the future and security of youth and national achievements.
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 seek to undermine national efforts and create social tension.
On Ashura, the minister said that Bahrain has qualified preachers and chanters who are always ready to perform their religious responsibilities.
Therefore, we don’t need preachers and chanters from abroad, he said.
The minister also said that Bahrain is not a religious tourism destination, and that Ashura rituals here are for mourners in Bahrain.
He asserted that the spirituality and uniqueness of of the occasion should be respected, while upholding national interests.
The minister thanked the attendees for their efforts, affirming cooperation to organise this year's Ashura commemoration.
The attendees thanked and appreciated the Interior Minister for his cooperation and dedication to providing all facilities for the success of Ashura commemoration. They highlighted the cooperation and coordination role of the governorates, stressing the importance of promoting ties between members of society.
Source: Bahrain News Agency