Manama: The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs extended its congratulations to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on the approaching holy month of Ramadhan, and similarly conveyed felicitations to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with the royal family, the government and people of Bahrain, and the broader Arab and Islamic nations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the council also congratulated His Majesty King Hamad on receiving the Prince Nayef Award for Arab Security (First Class) from the Arab Interior Ministers Council during its 42nd session in Tunis. This prestigious award is presented to heads of state and government leaders who have made significant contributions to security and stability.
In its 24th regular session of the fifth term, led by Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, the council urged the Sunni and Jaafari endowments directorates to ensure mosques and prayer halls across the Kingdom are fully prepared for the holy month by providing necessary services and resources to foster a suitable environment for worship, prayer, and Quran recitation.
The council encouraged the public to embrace the spiritual and social aspects of Ramadhan, emphasizing the importance of strengthening kinship bonds, engaging in acts of kindness, fostering unity among Muslims, and upholding moral values. It highlighted the significance of Ramadhan gatherings as a source of inspiration and social cohesion in Bahrain.
The council expressed its congratulations to HM the King and HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister on the successful Intra-Islamic Dialogue Conference, held in Bahrain on February 19-20 under the patronage of HM King Hamad. The event, attended by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al Tayyeb and other noted figures, brought together over 400 scholars, religious leaders, and intellectuals globally.
The council extended appreciation to HM the King for his patronage of the conference and highlighted the importance of His Majesty's address to key participants. It also thanked the government, led by HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, along with all official entities whose efforts contributed to the event's success.
The council welcomed the conference's outcomes, which underscored Islamic unity, the necessity of cooperation in addressing common challenges, and the importance of respectful dialogue. It praised the issuance of "Nida' Ahl Al Qibla" (Call of the Qibla People), promoting interfaith understanding, academic exchange, and vigilance against sectarian division.
Furthermore, the council lauded the active participation of senior Islamic scholars from different sects and countries, acknowledging their constructive discussions and commitment to implementing practical steps toward unity. It commended the partnership between the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Al Azhar, and the Muslim Council of Elders.
The council reviewed a report on the General Secretariat's participation in the Second International Conference on Religious Freedom and Peacemaking, held in Doha. It received updates on the Quran Strategy launched in late 2023, aimed at deepening Quran understanding in Bahraini society over five years, noting the enrollment of 215 participants in the Ta'ahhud Quran Programme.
The council reiterated its commitment to enhancing Quran education and prioritizing candidates with full Quran memorization for religious positions. It encouraged imams to diversify their recitations and complete the Quran in Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers during Ramadhan.
Additionally, the council reviewed updates from its Mosque Construction and Development Committee, which oversees projects implemented by the council and those funded by philanthropists. It commended the generosity of donors contributing to charitable initiatives reflecting Bahrain's spirit of giving.
The session concluded with a review of incoming correspondence and requests, followed by discussions on matters requiring action.