Royal interest in promoting Ashoora rituals revival praised

Manama, Oct. 4 (BNA): His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, today at Sakhir Palace, received Chairman of Jaafari Endowment Council, Shaikh Mohsen Abdulhussain Al-Asfoor, accompanied with a delegation from the General Authority for Hussaini Processions, marking the conclusion of Ashoora season. Shaikh Al-Asfoor and the accompanying delegation expressed sincere loyalty to HM the King’s and gratitude for his directives to various government agencies to provide services and facilitations during the Ashura occasion, which contributed to its success. Following reciting few versus of the holy Quran, HM the King delivered a keynote speech, in which, welcomed the delegation marking the conclusion of Ashoora occasion, which is annually honoured by all Muslims. He pointed out the keenness of Bahraini community to revive Ashoora rituals, which is a unique historical character enjoyed by Bahraini community. HM the King took pride in the religious freedom enjoyed by Bahraini community and the practice of religious rituals, underlining the importance of maintaining freedoms, pluralism and coexistence in harmony, which is a shared responsibility that reflects people's respect for preserving social fabric and coexistence. HM the King extended thanks to government institutions, especially the Interior Ministry, for their efforts to provide security and communal services, which contributed to the success of Ashoora rituals. He also extended thanks to the Jaafari Endowment and officials of Ma’atems for their efforts to make the current Ashoora season successful. Jaafari Endowment Chairman, in his speech, expressed utmost appreciation of the royal interest in reviving the annual Ashoora rituals in the context of national unity and coexistence. He welcomed the government support, led by HRH Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, for facilitating the revival of Ashoora rituals. He commended cooperation with the Interior Ministry led by Lt-Gen Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa and the follow up of the ministry’s officials. He also extended thanks to other ministries and government agencies for their cooperation that contributed to the success of Ashoora season.