Royal message at Ashura season’s end

TDT | Manama

His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa yesterday offered his best wishes on the new Hijri year and expressed his satisfaction with the responsible commemoration of Ashura. In a speech delivered to the nation at the end of the commemoration of Ashura, HM King Hamad praised the strong resolve and dedicated steadfastness of Team Bahrain in the fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the role of religious shaikhs and scholars in explaining the significance of protecting people, saving lives, and avoiding harm, especially during the exceptionally trying times.

In his speech, HM the King said: “At the end of the commemoration of Ashura, we would like to express our thanks and appreciation to all relevant institutions and entities, especially the Jaafari Endowments and the heads of the community centres, without forgetting the efforts of the volunteer fieldwork teams, for the good follow-up and the specific and smooth organisation, and for their responsible stances by following preventive instructions and applying the precautionary plans issued by Team Bahrain.

“Team Bahrain continues, armed with the resolve of the strong and the steadfastness of the devoted, to do everything possible to limit the spread of the coronavirus pandemic and mitigate its effects, under the substantial supervision of our faithful Crown Prince and dear son, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, may God assist him and bless his endeavours.

“The cautious and disciplined measures that characterised the commemoration of Ashura this year, and the care and attention provided to this religious occasion to commemorate its essence in a manner commensurate with its value and position, stem from our Bahraini distinctiveness with its coherent social fabric that lives in peace and harmony.

“With God’s will, such Bahraini particularity with its civilised model and the determination of our national resolve will remain a humane reference in the exercise of religious freedoms, respect for sectarian pluralism, and as a core for the genuine values of our religion with its great principles and the right approach.

“We would like, in the context of the nationwide understanding and awareness and the prudent approach towards the challenges caused by this emergency situation, to express our special thanks to our distinguished religious shaikhs and scholars for their sincere efforts during this trying period.

“They presented enlightened explanations related to the fulfillment of the most significant purpose of our Sharia—preserving lives and protecting people from risks and harm. This is what has enabled us, by the grace of God, to uphold His rituals and to obey Him with ease in a safe and reassuring atmosphere.” In concluding his speech, HM the King expressed his best wishes to all.