Bahrain: Ashura ceremonies persist; govt tightens security

By: Ali Al-Qadumi

MANAMA, Bahrain: The universal commemoration of Al-Imam Al-Hussein (p)’s great sacrifices was in continuation in Bahrain with large numbers of people flocking to husseiniyaat and ma’tam.

Currently Bahrain is ground for at least 3,500 Husseiniyaat for men and more than this for women where majales al-azaa, or the mourning sittings, have been taking place since 400 years.

These include Matam bin Salum Manama, Husseiniyah Al-Haaj Ahmed bin Khamis, Mosque Fatimah-tuz-Zahra (SA) Hamd, Masjid Al-Momin, Matam Al-Imam Al-Baqer (AS) Bouri, Matam Ad-Darah, Matam Al-Ajam Al-Kabir, Hussainiyaqh bin Zubr, Matam As-Samamik Manama, Husseiniyah Al-Qassab Manama, Matam Al-Haaj Ali Al-Mulla Sanad, Matam Raas Ar-Rumman, Matam bin Zubr, Matam Al-Imam Ali (AS), Matam Ithni Ashariyah, Matam Medina Eisa, Matam As-Sanabas and Matam Ash-Shaheed.

The capital city of Manama is home to most of the oldest and most popular Husseiniyaat, or religious centers.

Day and night majales al-azaa are held, where speakers threw light on the objective of Husseini Qayam and his matchless sacrifices rendered for the eminence of Islam and protection of human dignity. Sabil al-husseini are also set up at every corner where tea and other drinks are provided to the Husseini mourners.

However, security proved to be the main concern this year as officials try to ensure the safety of the faithful in light of the increasing terrorism in the region.

For the first time, cars are not allowed to get close to the Ma’tams. Also emergency services, including health and civil defense, are available at the Ma’tams at all times.

Hussein Al-Alawi, president of the Husseini Procession Board, said the organization, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior, has taken a number of security measures to ensure safety during the 10- day observance.

Cars are not allowed to enter Manama city centre during the evening hours, he said adding that “There will be special vehicles to transport senior citizens and the disabled to the Matams.”

Bahrain, where the Shias constitute 75 percent of the total population, is famous for its processions, especially on the 10th day of Muharram, the day on which Imam Hussein was unjustly slaughtered in the burning desert of Karbala at the hands of Yazid, grandson of Hinda who had chewed the liver of Holy Prophet (p)’s uncle Hamzah.

Matam officials estimate that more than 100,000 people usually take part in the procession on that day.

Several meetings were held in governorates prior to the start of the mourning ceremonies to discuss security and other relevant issues such as health and social services.

Salman Al-Zayani, Governor of the Central Region, said he had directed authorities to set up make-shift camps by the region's most crowded Matams for the Red Crescent, the police, Civil Defense and an office to assist lost children.

In Bahrain's second largest city, Al Muharraq, the governor said the Ministry of Interior had agreed to set up roadblocks near the Matams to bar cars from entering crowded areas and remove parked vehicles.

“It is a comprehensive plan aimed at ensuring the safety of processions and avoiding traffic jams,” governor Salman Bin Hindi said after a meeting with organizers of the processions.

END