Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, said that the Kingdom of Bahrain’s official inclusion in the Guinness World Records as the country with the highest density of places of worship for different religions represents international recognition of Bahrain’s established approach to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence, and respect for human rights and religious, cultural, and civil freedoms.
The minister said that the achievement reflects the vision of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Bahrain’s national approach to coexistence, which is grounded in the rule of law, justice, and constitutional institutions, and supported by consistent government policies that have made tolerance and coexistence an integral part of national practice.
Dr. Al Zayani extended congratulations to His Majesty the King and to His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, on the achievement, noting that it reflects Bahrain’s longstanding commitment to religious and cultural diversity.
The minister noted that the global achievement coincides with the international observance of the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly following a Bahraini initiative, as well as with the national observance of the Year of Isa Al Kabeer. He said this alignment highlights Bahrain’s historical standing as a society rooted in religious and cultural coexistence, and its role in promoting dialogue and peace, drawing on a legacy shaped by the leadership of His Highness Isa Al Kabeer, founder of the modern Bahraini state, and carried forward under the current national approach led by His Majesty the King.
Dr. Al Zayani explained that Bahrain’s ranking in the Guinness World Records, with an average of 2.577 places of worship per square kilometre, reflects the Kingdom’s long-established practice of accommodating places of worship for different religions and denominations. These include mosques and “grand mosques” (congregational mosques), alongside churches, a Jewish synagogue, one of the oldest churches in the region, and a Hindu temple established in Manama more than two centuries ago.
He said that this diversity reflects social cohesion, equal citizenship, and respect for freedom of religion and belief, and represents a practical expression of Bahrain’s values of coexistence and peace.
The minister highlighted Bahrain’s efforts to share its experience in religious coexistence and dialogue at regional and international forums through initiatives launched under the leadership of His Majesty the King. These include the declaration on freedom of religion and belief, international conferences on intercultural dialogue, the King Hamad Award for Coexistence and Tolerance, and other initiatives aimed at serving humanity, empowering women and youth, and promoting a culture of peace.
Dr. Al Zayani reiterated that the Kingdom of Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty the King and the directives of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, continues its human rights and development efforts, as well as its diplomatic and humanitarian role through its non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council, in support of regional and international peace, dialogue among religions and cultures, the National Human Rights Plan, and the Sustainable Development Goals.
source/content: bna.bh (headline edited)
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BAHRAIN
