Bahrain beacon of tolerance: SCIA

Manama : Deputy President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA), Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, received here the Director of Research and Policy at US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), Dwight Bashir, and his accompanying delegation.

Shaikh Abdulrahman briefed the delegation about the SCIA, expressing Bahrain’s pride in the SCIA for including equal number of scholars from both sects, thus reflecting the official Islamic work in the Kingdom.

He indicated that the SCIA provides religious advice to the official sides in the Kingdom, and seeks to strengthen the values of fraternity, unity among Muslims and co-existence among religions and cultures, highlighting the key role played by the council to issue the Unified Family Law.

He said that Bahrain has been a land of peaceful co-existence for all, noting that the Bahraini tolerant spirit stems from the teachings of Islam, the religion of peace and love.

He stressed terrorism, extremism and violence, which are prevailing today, have nothing to do with Islam which, he said, is known for its moderation, respect for human beings, as well as for women and men, expressing deep regret over the exploitation of religions and sects in the region and the world.

Dwight Bashir expressed thanks and appreciation to the Deputy SCIA President, stressing that Bahrain is beacon of coexistence and tolerance in the region.