U.S.
Department of State Human Rights Report 1998
Islam is the state religion,
and the population is overwhelmingly Muslim. However, Christians and
other non-Muslims, including Jews, Hindus, and Baha'is are free to practice
their religion, maintain their own places of worship, and display the
symbols of their religion. Bibles and other Christian publications are
displayed and sold openly in local bookstores that also sell Islamic
and other religious literature. Some small groups worship in their homes.
Notable dignitaries from virtually every religion and denomination visit
the country and frequently meet with government and civic leaders. Religious
tracts of all Islamic sects, cassettes of sermons delivered by Muslim
preachers from other countries, and publications of other religions
are readily available.
Proselytizing by non-Muslims is discouraged, anti-Islamic writings are
prohibited, and conversions from Islam to other religions, while not
illegal, are not tolerated well by society.
Both Sunni and Shi'a are subject to governmental control and monitoring.
During the year, the Government closed a few mosques and ma'tams (Shi'a
community centers) in certain locations to prevent religious leaders
from delivering political speeches during their Friday prayers and sermons.
The High Council for Islamic Affairs is charged with the review and
approval of all clerical appointments within both the Sunni and Shi'a
communities, and maintains program oversight for all citizens studying
religion abroad. Public religious events, most notably the large annual
commemorative marches by Shi'a, are permitted but are closely watched
by the police. There are no restrictions on the number of citizens permitted
to make pilgrimages to Shi'a shrines and holy sites in Iran, Iraq, and
Syria. However, stateless residents of Bahrain who do not possess Bahraini
passports often have difficulties arranging travel to religious sites
abroad. The Government monitors travel to Iran and scrutinizes carefully
those who choose to pursue religious study there.
Source: Country Reports on Human Rights
Practices for 1998, U.S. Department of State.
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