Illegal worshipping venues settled in Manama

The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry has today announced the issue of worshipping venues “closed”, in conformity with the directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa. The move is also in line with the Government’s keenness on promoting the development march and meeting the needs of all areas for worshipping venues. In this same respect, Deputy Premier Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al-Khalifa followed-up with concerned ministries and authorities the implementation of recommendation 1723 on regulating unlicensed worshiping venues and securing necessary legal and technical documents. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report listed thirty worshipping venues – 28 mosques, one maatam (community centre), and one shrine. Undersecretary for Islamic Affairs Dr. Fareed bin Yacoub Al-Meftaf said that fives worshipping venues had already legalized and issued with legal deeds. The report surveyed six worshipping venues on private land, in addition 19 others constructed on Government-owned land. The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry held a series of meetings in this regard with the Ministry of Municipalities and Urban Planning Affairs, the Ministry of Housing, the Survey and Land Registration Authority and the Jaafari Endowment Directorate. Dr. Al-Meftah paid tribute to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al-Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander, for their keenness on promoting worshipping venues and other religious facilities. AHN