MANAMA: Bahrain’s imams and preachers have been urged to distance religion from politics and sectarian issues. The Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments Ministry has asked them to adhere to the ethics of religious discourse, emphasised by the Quran and the Sunnah, as well as legal norms and regulations.

In a circular issued yesterday, the ministry stressed that religious platforms must be protected from political polarisation or sectarian issues, dictated by ongoing regional and global events.

They were urged to avoid making any comments on the current incidents in Iraq or elsewhere in order to maintain Islamic fraternity and national unity.

The ministry called on preachers and imams to direct people towards brotherhood and tolerance to preserve Islamic unity, national cohesion and unified stances.

It asked them to promote the values of belonging to the nation and defending its Islamic fundamentals and Arab identity, taking into consideration the specific features of each sect.

The circular underlined the need to respect constitutional fundamentals agreed upon by the people of Bahrain and the laws that protect the rights of all those living in it.

It also highlighted compassion, love, tolerance and moderation as the best approach to addressing all issues in order to reinforce national security and stability, ensure the safety of citizens and cement national unity.