No Pending Applications for Religious Land Allocations, Says Justice Minister

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

Justice Minister Nawaf Al Maawda has confirmed that there are no pending applications for land allocations to build mosques or other religious sites in Bahrain. In a letter to Parliament, Al Maawda explained that the Ministry of Justice, in coordination with the Sunni and Jaafari Waqf directorates and other relevant government agencies, follows a structured process to assess and approve such applications.

MP Basma Mubarak had raised questions regarding the land allocation process for religious purposes, including the approval timeline and coordination with ministries such as the Ministry of Housing and the Urban Planning and Development Authority.

In his response, Al Maawda clarified that land within housing projects is designated for places of worship based on local needs and population size. For Waqf properties, the ministry assists owners through legal procedures to register land for religious use.

"The process begins with a request from the landowner, who must obtain a deed from the Sharia courts," Al Maawda explained. "Ownership is verified, legal obstacles are checked, and the land’s suitability for religious use is ensured under planning regulations."

He also mentioned that the approval time can vary depending on the type of property and required permits, with multiple agencies involved to ensure compliance with all legal and zoning requirements.

Al Maawda concluded by expressing appreciation for the efforts of the Waqf directorates in managing places of worship and maintaining smooth coordination throughout the process.