Manama: The Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments has announced the development of procedures regulating licenses for preaching, religious guidance, and related activities. This initiative is part of efforts to enhance the regulatory framework for religious work, in line with Decision (56) of 2011, which governs licenses for preaching and guidance.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the decision emphasizes the responsibility of individuals engaged in religious guidance and underscores their role in promoting religious knowledge, moderation, Islamic virtues and values, as well as lessons from the Prophet Mohammed's (PBUH) biography. The initiative aims to support the role of places of worship and Maatams, while preventing their use for activities that violate the law, following the detection of several violations and misuse of these areas.
Under Decision (74) of 2026, amending provisions of Decision (56) of 2011 and issued by Nawaf bin Mohammed Al Maawda, Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, the regulation of preaching, religious guidance, delivering sermons, religious chanting, and related activities requires the appropriate license in accordance with approved rules and procedures.
The decision calls for the formation of specialized committees within the relevant directorates, comprising experts in Sharia, administrative, and technical domains. These committees will establish standards and requirements for licensing preaching, guidance, and related activities in places of worship, Maatams, and other facilities. They will also determine the necessary documents for obtaining a license, including a valid good conduct certificate.
The decision outlines obligations for license holders, such as compliance with decisions, instructions, and regulations governing religious work, and adherence to established standards and etiquette for religious discourse. License holders are required to preserve places of worship, Maatams, and other facilities and their contents, and to refrain from using or allowing their use for purposes beyond their designated intent.
Individuals covered by the decision must regularize their status in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures within one month of its entry into force.