Manama: A total of 300 heads and representatives of Maatams (community centres) participated in the annual Ashoora meeting held in preparation for Ashoora 1448 AH. Officials from ministries and relevant authorities across the Kingdom of Bahrain were present.
According to Bahrain News Agency, Yusuf bin Saleh Al Saleh, Vice Chairman of the Islamic Endowments Council, stated that the continued patronage of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and the directives of His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, regarding preparations for Ashoora are reflected in the support and attention provided annually by ministries and relevant authorities to ensure the success of the occasion.
Al Saleh commended the efforts of the Ministry of Interior and its departments under the supervision of General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa, Minister of Interior, noting the ministry's role in maintaining stability, ensuring security, and safeguarding national achievements. He also highlighted the recent meeting between the Interior Minister and heads and representatives of Maatams, emphasizing its focus on ensuring the proper commemoration of the occasion, the safety of participants, preserving its established religious character, and keeping it free from politicization.
Furthermore, Al Saleh expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, chaired by Shaikh Abdulrahman bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa, and the continued follow-up of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments under Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments and Chairman of the Islamic Endowments Council. He also commended the efforts of the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture, the Ministry of Works, the Electricity and Water Authority (EWA), and other relevant entities.
Major-General Shaikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Khalifa, Deputy Chief of Police, underscored the importance of continuing coordination, cooperation, and community partnership and building on the achievements of previous years to facilitate the commemoration of Ashoora. He highlighted the shared responsibility of observing religious rituals in an atmosphere of freedom and commitment while preserving security, stability, and the safety of participants. He stressed the importance of adhering to regulations and maintaining the authentic character of the occasion, affirming that the ministry and security directorates remain open for communication and coordination.
Judge Issa Sami Al Mannai, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, affirmed the ministry's support for the efforts of the General Directorate of Jaafari Affairs in coordinating with official and community entities and Maatam representatives to ensure the success of Ashoora preparations.
Ali Abdulhussain Al Asfoor, Community Affairs Adviser at the Ministry of Interior, underscored the importance of further enhancing community partnership during Ashoora through initiatives and projects that reinforce national cohesion and promote the values of the occasion.
Dr. Mohammed Abdulmajeed Al Awadhi, Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, reviewed the health sector's preparations for Ashoora, including services provided through Imam Hussain Medical Clinic, awareness programmes, health monitoring initiatives, and cooperation with official and community entities and Maatam representatives.
The meeting concluded with an open discussion involving representatives of official entities and heads of Maatams, who expressed their aspiration for a successful commemoration of Ashoora through continued community partnership and cooperation among relevant ministries and authorities.