Allah's Vision: Bahrain In Divine Sight

The Kingdom of Bahrain is a small Middle Eastern island nation that is accessible from Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway. It is known for its more liberal laws compared to its neighbouring countries, which include the allowance of alcohol and a more relaxed attitude towards women's dress codes. As a result, Bahrain has gained a reputation as a place for Saudis to engage in activities that are banned in their own country. This has led to the saying Allah cannot see Bahrain, suggesting that those who follow Islam can escape the watch of Allah by crossing into Bahrain to partake in activities that would otherwise be forbidden.

The saying Allah cannot see Bahrain is a reference to the relatively liberal laws in Bahrain compared to other Middle Eastern countries

Bahrain is a relatively liberal country in the Arab world, with a predominantly Muslim population. Its liberalism is partly due to its history as a centre for commerce in the Gulf and the education reforms that began in the 20th century, which led to the development of the country's middle class.

Bahrain has a mixed public/private healthcare system, and its public school system was the first in the region to admit female students at all levels. The country has a bi-cameral legislature, with a Chamber of Deputies elected by the people and a Shura Council appointed by the King.

While Bahrain is a Muslim country, with Islamic rules governing cultural, economic, and political life, it is considered relatively liberal compared to its neighbours, Iran and Saudi Arabia. Bahrainis are known for their friendly and welcoming attitude towards expats and their relaxed attitude towards other cultures.

Alcohol and water pipes (shisha) are forbidden in Saudi Arabia, but they are available in Bahrain. Every year, more than 2.5 million Saudis cross the King Fahd Causeway to Bahrain, which has been described as a "big bar for Saudi Arabia". While Bahrain is conservative, it is also tolerant of people with different lifestyles, provided they respect the laws and customs.

Bahrain is also more liberal in the sense that it is possible to be a Bahraini homosexual atheist without facing legal issues, although this does not mean that people will be accepting. Additionally, Bahrain has been described as "Middle East lite", with less restrictions on women's rights and more tolerance for other religions.

Bahrain is often referred to as the Las Vegas of the Middle East

Bahrain is often referred to as the Las Vegas of the Arab World or the Las Vegas of the Middle East. This comparison is drawn due to the country's thriving tourism and entertainment sectors, which attract visitors from surrounding nations, particularly Saudi Arabia. Bahrain's entertainment industry is particularly popular among Saudis, who cross the border to engage in activities that are prohibited in their own country. These include drinking alcohol, attending concerts, and lounging by resort swimming pools.

The King Fahd Causeway, which connects Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, is often congested with Saudi vehicles on weekends, as people travel to Bahrain for leisure. This influx of visitors has been a boon for Bahrain's economy, particularly the hospitality sector, with many hotels catering specifically to the Saudi market.

In addition to its entertainment offerings, Bahrain also has a rich cultural heritage and historical sites. The country is known for its friendly people and diverse cuisine, making it a popular tourist destination.

Alcohol is prohibited in most Muslim countries, but Bahrain is an exception

Bahrain is a predominantly Muslim country, but it has a more relaxed attitude towards alcohol consumption. The country allows the sale and consumption of alcohol in licensed establishments, such as restaurants, bars, and hotels. This is in contrast to other Muslim-majority countries in the region, such as Saudi Arabia, which outlaws alcohol altogether.

The availability of alcohol in Bahrain has made it a popular destination for Saudis seeking a weekend getaway. The King Fahd Causeway, which connects the two countries, sees over 2.5 million Saudis cross every year to indulge in activities forbidden in their own country, such as drinking alcohol and attending concerts. While Bahrain's permissive attitude towards alcohol has been a boon for its economy, some Bahrainis worry about the Saudi influence and the potential negative impact on their society.

Many Saudis visit Bahrain to engage in activities that are banned in their own country, such as drinking alcohol and attending concerts

Bahrain has long been known as a no-holds-barred island where nightclubs, singers, and alcohol entice Muslims from the Gulf states who want a break from their more rigid societies. While the country has tried to shed its image as a decadent hotspot of sin for Saudis, it is still flooded with Saudis looking for entertainment they can't access in their ultraconservative kingdom. This includes activities like watching movies, attending concerts, and participating in art exhibitions.

The allure of Bahrain for Saudis extends beyond alcohol. Many Saudis visit Bahrain to enjoy activities that are considered innocent, such as attending concerts, lounging by the pool, and other pursuits that are forbidden in Saudi Arabia. The country's relaxed social norms also allow men and women to walk side by side or even hold hands, which is not permitted in Saudi Arabia.

The influx of Saudis has had a significant impact on Bahrain's economy, particularly in the hospitality sector. Bahrain's bars and hotels are often filled with Saudis on weekends, and the country's permissive nature provides a stark contrast to the strict social norms of its neighbour.

The United Nations adopted the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons in 2000, but Bahrain, a member of the UN, apparently has a waiver

In 2000, the United Nations adopted the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children. This protocol supplements the United Nations Convention against Transnational Organized Crime and aims to address the issue of human trafficking by protecting and assisting victims, promoting cooperation among states, and criminalizing trafficking offences. Despite being a member of the UN, Bahrain appears to have a waiver for this protocol, allowing it to continue trafficking foreign women for the sex trade.

The waiver granted to Bahrain stands in stark contrast to the purpose of the protocol, which seeks to prevent and combat trafficking, protect victims, and promote international cooperation. The protocol emphasizes the need for a comprehensive international approach to address human trafficking effectively. However, the existence of this waiver calls into question the UN's commitment to combating human trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals.

The situation in Bahrain involves the trafficking of women, primarily from Russia, who are lured into prostitution through false promises of employment in the hospitality industry. These women find themselves under the control of criminal organizations, such as the Russian mafia, and are often confined to hotels, unable to leave without their passports. The Bahraini government's lax immigration standards and failure to enforce Islamic law on residents contribute to the perpetuation of this issue.

The UN's apparent inaction regarding Bahrain's waiver undermines its credibility and raises concerns about its effectiveness in addressing human trafficking. As a member of the UN, Bahrain should be held to the same standards as other countries and be expected to comply with the protocol. However, the existence of this waiver suggests a double standard and a failure to prioritize the protection of vulnerable women and children.

It is important to note that human trafficking is a complex and widespread issue, and addressing it requires a multifaceted approach. While the UN protocol is a crucial step, it is essential to recognize that the problem persists due to various factors, including poverty, lack of equal opportunities, and the demand for exploitation. To effectively combat human trafficking, a combination of legal measures, social initiatives, economic development, and international cooperation is necessary.

Frequently asked questions