Bahrain, the home to many faiths

What is said in Ireland holds true for a Middle Eastern island kingdom, thousands of miles away; ‘There are no strangers here, only friends who haven’t met.’ In Bahrain, especially when you know the local language, making friends in a matter of seconds over tantalising ‘qahwah’ (Arabic coffee), and dates is a way of life. The tranquil land is an example of tolerance and pluralism.

Bahrain boasts of an ancient heritage. The region was once home to the intriguing ‘Dilmun’ civilization that dates back to the 3rd millennium BC. Due to Bahrain’s strategic location, it has been the hub of international trade and interaction with several cultures including India.

The India-Arabic link

Many local Arabs proudly talk of their links with India that go back several generations. Trading with India has forged an intimate connection between the two countries, and it is believed that every one in four persons in Bahrain, is an Indian.

While the ruling family is Sunni, there are diverse communities within Islam flourishing in Bahrain. It is not surprising to hear the Iranian-style ‘Du’a’ (supplication) recitation from a Shia mosque before Friday prayers.

Although there have been conflicts between Shias and Sunnis in many parts of the Muslim world, both communities live in solidarity within the kingdom.

With a massive Indian diaspora, Bahrain is home to many Hindu temples. A stroll down the Old Manama Souq brings you to a tiny alley, where the whiff of traditional agarbatti (incense) welcomes you to a sprawling Gujarati-style Shreenathji (Krishna) temple, Bahrain’s oldest, dating back nearly 200 years. Shops selling incense, religious items and images of various Hindu deities take you back to the streets of Mylapore.

Though staunchly Islamic, Bahrain’s pluralistic outlook has promoted ‘Ta’aayush Silmi’ (peaceful co-existence) between diverse cultures and faiths within its boundaries under the patronage of High Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, the monarch of Bahrain.

With a large Keralite population, one can also find Ayyappa temples. Along with some other temples, Bahrain also houses gurudwaras as symbols of its Sikh population.

With the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, Jewish-Arab relations have taken a beating in the last many decades owing to many Middle Eastern countries boycotting Israel.

In the Old Manama Souq stands a beige, non-descript Jewish synagogue, a surreal sight to behold. “The local Jewish people open it only during their festivals, otherwise it remains closed,” says an Indian Bohra Muslim, who owns a shop just across from it.

“Our government offered to rebuild the Ma’abad (synagogue) but the Jewish people declined it. They are few in number but an integral part of Bahraini society. Her Excellency Houda Nonoo was a Jewish Bahraini Ambassador and the first Bahraini female ambassador to the United States!” smiles historian and devout Muslim Maher Zayyan. Ms.Nonoo was also the first Jewish ambassador of a Middle Eastern Muslim Arab nation!

Like Djerba Island off Tunisia’s eastern coast, Bahrain is yet another outstanding example of Jewish-Arab peace reminiscent of Spain’s Golden Era, the pinnacle of literary and artistic exchange between both communities.

Bahrain has had a native Christian community for centuries, Her Excellency Alees Samaan, the current Bahraini ambassador to the UK being a notable member.

It is of no surprise to find many beautiful churches within Bahrain. Jesus finds highest reverence in Qur’an as one of the prophets of Allah.

The House of Praise Community Church, Sacred Heart Church Manama, St. Christopher’s Cathedral (Anglican) and The Bahrain Malayalee Church of South India constitute Bahrain’s many churches that offer solace to the worshipper.