MANAMA: His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa called upon all Bahrainis to unify their stances, by joining ranks and promoting the values of solidarity, fraternity and compassion.
HM also urged to spread the culture of tolerance and co-existence and preserve the religious and national fundamentals and the values of cohesion among the citizens of Bahrain regardless of their sects and ideas.
This came as HM King hosted an Iftar banquet at Al-Rawdha Palace, in the presence of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier.
HM King Hamad delivered a keynote address in which he congratulated all the citizens, and the Arab and Islamic Nations on the last ten days of Ramadan, wishing them many happy returns.
Senior Royal Family members, Speaker of the Representatives Council, Shura Council Chairman, religious figures, ministers and guests attended the banquet.
He added that the call to adhere to values of tolerance and co-existence will deepen the one-family spirit in Bahrain and consolidate the progress of reforms and the landmark national achievements attained over the past decade.
He prayed Allah Almighty to Guide Bahrainis on the right path of success in the service of Islam and the Islamic Nation and preserving Bahrain and Grant it more security, stability and peace.
HM the King exchanged with those present congratulations on the last ten days of the Holy month of Ramadan, praying Allah Almighty to grant Bahrain and its people more security and stability, and wishing the Arab and Islamic nations many happy returns.
Shaikh Ahmed Khalaf Al-Asfoor delivered a religious lecture entitled: “Bahrain Is the Land of Religious Co-Existence and Tolerance”.
He said that Allah’s Wisdom required people to know one another and to live together however different their traditions, norms and cultures are, which will enhance more human cooperation and exchange of expertise.
Therefore, he said, isolation and isolation are contrary to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the human nature.
He added that the diverse Islamic sects enrich the Islamic religion and can serve as a catalyst for more interaction and cooperation among their followers, instead of fanaticism and conflicts, caused by ignorance.
He underlined that sectarian strife sparks internal divide, undermines development and destroys nations.
He added that Islam is a great religion of compassion, peace and security, and preaches no hatred, discrimination or fanaticism, and deals with others with respect.
He expressed pride in Bahrain’s status as a role model of tolerance and co-existence between the segments of the one-family society throughout its long history, noting that diversity of the components of the Bahraini society has always been –and still is- a source of power.
He said that the wisdom, awareness and far-sightedness of all components of the Bahraini society, especially the two main sects, have safeguarded Bahraini from the abyss of sectarian strife into which many neighbouring countries had been dragged.
HM the King expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to Shaikh Al-Asfoor for his valuable lecture on religious tolerance and co-existence in Bahrain, and praised the dedication of preachers, clerics and imams in the service of society and the homeland.
The audience expressed profound thanks and appreciation to HM King Hamad for his tireless efforts in the service of Islam and Muslims.
They lauded HM the King’s charitable and humanitarian initiatives, interest in mosques, keenness to build Quran memorisation centres all over the world and support for scholars.
They wished HM the King continuous good health and happiness and Bahrain and its people further security, stability and prosperity.