A Guide To Converting To Islam In Bahrain

Islam is the official religion of Bahrain, with the country's 2010 census indicating that 90.2% of the population is Muslim. The country's laws are based on Islamic law, or Sharia, and the government has placed some limitations on the exercise of religious freedom. While the Bahraini constitution provides for freedom of conscience and the freedom to perform religious rites, it also prohibits anti-Islamic publications and mandates imprisonment for exposing the state's official religion to offence and criticism. There is no legal prohibition against apostasy, however, converts from Islam are not well tolerated by society and may face harassment or discrimination.

The process of converting to Islam in Bahrain

Islam is the state religion in Bahrain, with the country's 2010 census indicating that 90.2% of the population is Muslim. The country's constitution declares Islam to be the official religion and provides for freedom of conscience and the freedom to perform religious rites.

Converting to Islam

There is no official process for converting to Islam in Bahrain, as the religion is widely practised and accepted in the country. However, here are some general steps that you may consider if you are interested in converting to Islam:

• Research and Study: Start by learning about the basic teachings and practices of Islam. Read the Quran, which is the holy book of Islam, and familiarise yourself with the Prophet Muhammad's teachings and the Five Pillars of Islam.
• Declaration of Faith: The basic requirement for becoming a Muslim is to declare and sincerely recite the Shahada, the Islamic creed, which translates to: "I bear witness that there is no deity but God, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of God." This declaration is considered the official acceptance of Islam and is often done in the presence of witnesses.
• Perform Islamic Practices: Start practising Islamic rituals and worship. This includes performing the five daily prayers, fasting during the month of Ramadan, giving to the poor and needy (zakat), and, if possible, performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime.
• Connect with the Muslim Community: Seek out local mosques, Islamic centres, or Muslim communities in your area. This can provide you with support, guidance, and a sense of belonging as you embark on your spiritual journey.
• Learn and Grow: Continue to deepen your understanding of Islam by attending religious classes, lectures, or seminars. Engage with Islamic scholars or experienced Muslims who can guide you in your new faith.

Considerations for Converting to Islam in Bahrain

While Bahrain is a Muslim-majority country, it is important to consider the cultural and societal context when converting to Islam:

• Family and Community: Depending on your background, your decision to convert to Islam may be met with resistance or disapproval from your family or community, especially if you are converting from another religion. It is important to be prepared for potential challenges and to seek support from understanding individuals or communities.
• Legal and Official Recognition: Bahrain does not have a specific legal process for recognising religious conversions. However, if you are converting from another religion, you may need to update your religious status on official documents, such as your birth certificate or national identity card.
• Practising Your Faith: While Bahrain allows freedom of religion, it is important to be mindful of the cultural and religious sensitivities in the country. Some Islamic practices, such as praying, fasting, or dressing modestly, may be expected or encouraged, especially during religious occasions or in more conservative areas.
• Interfaith Relations: Bahrain has a history of religious coexistence, but it is important to respect the sensitivities of different religious groups. Be mindful of any actions or statements that may be perceived as offensive or critical of Islam or other religions.

The legal status of conversion in Bahrain

Islam is the official religion of Bahrain, and Sharia (Islamic law) is a principal source for legislation. The Bahraini constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites. However, there are some limitations to these rights.

There is no legal prohibition against apostasy in Bahrain, and the penal code does not specifically address conversion. However, societal attitudes and behaviour discourage conversion away from Islam. Those who convert from Islam are often shunned by their families and communities and sometimes subjected to physical abuse. As a result, some converts feel it necessary to leave the country permanently.

The government does not designate religious affiliation on national identity documents, but applications for birth certificates and national identity documents record a child's religion (Muslim, Christian, Jewish, or other) but not their denomination.

While the government generally allows for the free practice of religion, it has been known to demolish Shia mosques and restrict the movements of Shia citizens in certain villages. The government has also been accused of attempting to alter the demographic balance of the country by recruiting foreign-born Sunnis to serve in the security forces and granting them citizenship.

In terms of legal recognition of a change in religious status, an individual's religious affiliation may impact their rights in certain areas, such as family and personal status matters, inheritance, and marriage. For example, a Muslim woman may only marry a non-Muslim man if he first converts to Islam, and their children will automatically be considered Muslim. In divorce cases, Shia and Sunni women are granted custody of their children until a certain age, after which custody reverts to the father.

Overall, while there is no explicit legal prohibition against conversion in Bahrain, societal pressures and the potential loss of certain rights may serve as deterrents for those considering leaving Islam.

The social consequences of converting to Islam in Bahrain

Converting to Islam in Bahrain can have several social consequences, as societal attitudes and behaviour discourage conversion from Islam. Here are some key points to consider:

• Discouragement and Persecution: There is a strong societal pressure against individuals who convert from Islam to other religions or adopt atheistic or secularist views. Those who do convert are often unwilling to speak publicly or privately about their new beliefs out of fear of harassment or discrimination.
• Social Stigma: Converts from Islam may face social stigma and isolation from their communities, families, and associates. They may be ostracised or marginalised by their former religious groups and face rejection or condemnation for their new religious choices.
• Family Disapproval: Converting to Islam in Bahrain can lead to family disapproval, especially if the individual's family is strongly affiliated with another religion. Family members may express disappointment, attempt to persuade the individual to reconsider, or even sever ties with the convert.
• Community Reactions: The reaction from the wider community can vary. In some cases, converts may face social ostracism, discrimination, or even harassment from their neighbours, local religious groups, or community leaders. On the other hand, some communities may be more accepting, especially if the conversion is seen as a personal choice that does not threaten their way of life.
• Employment and Opportunities: Converts to Islam may encounter challenges in employment and other opportunities. Bahrain's government has been accused of favouring Sunnis for senior positions in ministries and the military. This preference may extend to employment opportunities, with converts to Islam potentially facing discrimination or a lack of equal opportunities in certain sectors.
• Interpersonal Relationships: Converting to Islam can impact personal relationships, including friendships and romantic partnerships. Close relationships may be strained or severed due to differing religious beliefs, especially if the convert's previous religion is strongly opposed to Islam.
• Access to Religious Services: Converts to Islam may find it challenging to fully participate in Islamic religious services and rituals, particularly if they are new to the faith and unfamiliar with Islamic practices. They may need support and guidance to navigate these new religious customs and find a sense of community within their local Islamic groups.
• Psychological Impact: The process of converting to Islam and dealing with the social consequences can take a toll on an individual's mental health and well-being. They may experience feelings of isolation, anxiety, or depression, especially if they feel rejected by their previous social circles.

The history of Islam in Bahrain

During the time of Muhammad, Bahrain was known as Al-Awal and was part of a wider region called Iqlīm al-Baḥrayn or the Province of Bahrain, which stretched from Basrah to the Strait of Hormuz along the Persian Gulf coast. The people of Bahrain at this time were mostly Arabian pagans.

In 656–661 AD, during the caliphate reign of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Islamic prophet Muhammad appointed Aban Ibn Sa'id Al As as governor of Bahrain. Aban was a supporter of Ali's right to the caliphate, a position that was endorsed by the inhabitants of Bahrain, including the Bani Abdul Qays tribe.

The Khamis Mosque in Bahrain is believed to be the oldest mosque in the country, dating back to the reign of Caliph Umar II.

In the late 8th century, the Qarmatians, a messianic Ismaili sect originating in Kufa, Iraq, seized control of Bahrain. They ruled until 976 when they were defeated by the Abbasids. During their reign, the Qarmatians raided Iraq, sacked Mecca, and desecrated the Zamzam Well with the bodies of Hajj pilgrims. They also took the Black Stone from Mecca and kept it in their stronghold in Ahsa, Bahrain, for twenty years.

Following the defeat of the Qarmatians, Twelver Shia Islam became entrenched in Bahrain, encouraged by Sunni rulers over the next four hundred years. In the 13th century, the "Bahrain School" emerged, integrating themes of philosophy and mysticism into orthodox Twelver practice.

In the 16th century, Portugal, in alliance with Hormuz, seized Bahrain from the Jabrid ruler Muqrin ibn Zamil. Portuguese rule lasted for around 80 years until they were expelled in 1602 by Abbas I of Safavid Iran, which gave impetus to Shia Islam in the region.

In 1783, the Bani Utbah and allied tribes captured Bahrain from Nasr Al-Madhkur, and it has since been ruled by the Al Khalifa royal family, with Ahmed al-Fateh as Bahrain's first hakim.

In the 19th century, Bahrain became a protectorate of the United Kingdom and gained independence in 1971. In 2002, Bahrain was declared a semi-constitutional monarchy, and Article 2 of the newly adopted constitution made Sharia a principal source for legislation.

The different branches of Islam in Bahrain

Islam is the state religion in Bahrain, and the country's citizens predominantly follow the Sunni and Shia branches of the religion. The last official census, conducted in 1941, reported that 52% or 55% of the Muslim population were Shia, and 48% or 45% were Sunni. However, more recent estimates place the percentage of Shia Muslims at 55% to 70% of the citizen population, while Sunnis are estimated to make up 45% to 55%.

Sunni Islam

Sunni Islam is the largest denomination of Islam globally, with 89-90% of all followers of Islam identifying as Sunni. Adherents believe that Muhammad did not appoint a specific successor, and many years after his death, his followers chose Abu Bakr Siddique, one of Muhammad's fathers-in-law and a close friend, as the Caliph. Sunnis believe that the Quran applies to all of life and that individuals can approach God directly, and that God will present himself on Judgement Day. In Bahrain, Islamic studies based on Sunni doctrine are mandatory for Muslim students from grades one through 12.

Shia Islam

Shia Muslims believe that Muhammad chose a successor, his son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib. For Shia believers, Imams are more central figures and community leaders as they are considered the perfect manifestation of God. Shia Islam is more focused on the cleric's interpretation of the Quran rather than the individual's relationship with God, and adherents do not believe that humans will see God on Judgement Day. The origins of Shia Islam in Bahrain can be traced back to 656-661 AD, during the caliphate reign of Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Islamic prophet Muhammad appointed Aban Ibn Sa'id Al As as the governor of Bahrain, and he was a prominent supporter of Ali's right to the caliphate.

Other Branches

While Bahrain is predominantly Sunni and Shia, there may be followers of other branches of Islam in the country as well, such as Ibadi, Ahmadiyya, and Sufism.

Frequently asked questions