Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments:Religious tolerance and coexistence are enduring characteristics of Bahrain's openness

The Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, His Excellency Shaikh Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, today highlighted that freedom to practice religion is the right of all citizens and is protected by the Kingdom's constitution, adding that it forms an enduring characteristic of Bahrain's openness. His Excellency noted that Bahrain is a country of rich culture with a history underpinned by religious tolerance. In this regard, the Minister added that Bahrain hosts hundreds of mosques and ma’atams for Muslims of all sects, as well as nineteen churches, three Hindu temples and one synagogue. The Kingdom’s capital, Manama, houses Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Hindu places of worship within a one-kilometre radius. His Excellency went on to note that Bahrain’s openness is a model of religious tolerance and that the Kingdom is deeply proud of its diverse society. The Justice Minister said that the country’s efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and understanding have contributed to preventing extremism and protecting the country’s stability.