HM King addresses nation at end of Ashoora commemoration

Manama, Aug. 30 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has offered his best wishes on the new Hijri year and expressed his satisfaction with the responsible commemoration of Ashoora. In a speech delivered to the nation at the end of the commemoration of Ashoora, HM King Hamad praised the strong resolve and dedicated steadfastness of Team Bahrain in the fight against the coronavirus 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. The following is a translation of HM the King’s speech: “In the name of God, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate Peace and God’s mercy and blessings be upon you We begin this speech by congratulating everyone on the new Hijri year, and we ask God Almighty to make it a year of goodness and blessings for our beloved Kingdom and for the Arab and Islamic nations. At the end of the commemoration of Ashoora, 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 centers, without forgetting the efforts of the volunteer field work teams, for the good follow-up and the specific and smooth organization, 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 novel 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 endeavors. The cautious and disciplined measures that characterized the commemoration of Ashoora 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 civilized 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 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. May God bless you all for your efforts and may He help you and us to preserve the interests of Bahrain and its citizens and residents. We pray to the Almighty to perpetuate all occasions of worship and reverence with security, safety, health and wellness, and to end this calamity and to reunite us with our honorable people and everyone in the best conditions. May God answer all our prayers, and God pray on our Prophet Mohammed, his household and companions and bless them. May this year and every year bring you happiness. Peace and God’ mercy and blessings be upon you.”