Advancing Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence

Bahrain embraces the centuries-old tradition of welcoming people of different religious groups, who have lived side-by-side in harmony in Bahrain and practiced their faiths in peace. Bahrain also actively fosters interfaith dialogue and understanding.

There is perhaps no greater example of this principle than the Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration, a statement of belief put forward by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

“We declare that when extremist clergy preach hatred, violence and seek to sow the seeds of discord, that they are inciting the desecration of the name of God.”

–His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of the Kingdom of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration

The Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration

The Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration, which calls for greater religious tolerance across the globe, was unveiled at a global ceremony held at the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles, California. The Declaration captures the King’s personal priority to build a more tolerant Middle East, free of antisemitism and extremism. The historic declaration was signed by Muslim, Jewish, and Christian leaders.

The Kingdom of Bahrain Declaration
Joint prayers for peace

Joint Prayers for Peace

In 2015, when ISIS terrorists attacked mosques in Shia-majority communities in neighboring countries, the Bahrain government held a joint prayer bringing Sunnis and Shiites together in a demonstration of religious tolerance.

The King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence

The King’s campaign to advance religious freedom and peaceful coexistence includes the establishment of a new center in Bahrain’s capital city, Manama, “The King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence.”

The King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence