Bahrain Updates Regulations for Preaching, Religious Guidance and Related Activities

The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf has announced updated procedures governing licences for preaching, religious guidance and related activities, as part of efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for religious work and in accordance with Resolution No. (56) of 2011 on the regulation of preaching and religious guidance licences.

The move underscores the responsibilities of those engaged in religious activities and the important role they play in communicating religious knowledge, promoting moderation, spreading Islamic virtues and values, and drawing lessons from the teachings of the blessed Prophetic biography.

The regulations also aim to support the role and mission of places of worship and ma’atams, while preventing their use for activities that violate the law, following the detection of a number of violations involving the misuse of these activities and facilities in ways contrary to their intended purposes and mission.

Under Resolution No. (74) of 2026, amending certain provisions of Resolution No. (56) of 2011 and issued by Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, the practice of preaching, religious guidance, delivering sermons and religious chanting, as well as related events and activities, has been regulated.

The amended resolution requires those wishing to engage in such activities to obtain the necessary licence in accordance with approved regulations and procedures.

Under the resolution, specialised committees will be formed within the relevant general directorates, as appropriate, comprising experts and specialists in Sharia, administrative and technical fields.

The committees will be responsible for establishing the standards and regulations governing licences for preaching, religious guidance and related activities in places of worship, ma’atams and other facilities. They will also determine the documents and supporting papers required to obtain a licence, including a valid certificate of good conduct.

The resolution also sets out a number of obligations that licence holders must comply with. These include adherence to decisions, instructions and regulations governing religious activities, as well as observing the established rules and etiquette governing religious discourse.

Licence holders must also preserve places of worship, ma’atams and other facilities and their contents, and must not use them, or allow them to be used, for purposes other than those for which they are designated.

Those covered by the resolution are required to regularise their status in accordance with the prescribed regulations and procedures within one month from the date the resolution comes into force.