Saudi Gazette report

DAMMAM — Shiite Muslims in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states observe the occasion of Ashura, which falls on Monday, Muharram 10, as a day of great mourning reminding them of the sacrifices of the Prophet’s grandson Imam Hussain and his family.

The local authorities in the Gulf states have made elaborate preparations and arrangements to hold the commemoration in a safe and peaceful atmosphere. Several events are being held at mosques, Hussainiya s and mourning councils to mark the occasion in addition to holding mourning processions.

The commemoration of the Karbala tragedy where martyrdom of Imam Hussain took place is the major highlight of these events. The events are being held mainly in Hussainiya, a congregation hall for Shiite commemoration ceremonies. It is a place where Shiites gather to remember Imam Hussain, the slain martyr, and pray for him. With passage of time, this meeting place has evolved into to a community center, where social, political as well as religious activities are held.

In Saudi Arabia, the security forces have swung into action to provide security to the cities and villages where these events take place. Saudi Shiite citizens feel reassured with the broad efforts undertaken by the government to confront extremism and seek to promote religious tolerance, as well as the efforts of the security authorities to secure areas where mourning ceremonies are being held.

Those in charge of the mourning councils are active in setting up community centers that marks Ashura anniversary where food is being served and these include meals of rice and meat, with pastries and fruits, along with hot drinks and juices, to those taking part in these ceremonies.

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Interior has completed preparations to keep pace with the activities of the Hussainiyas from the beginning of Muharram, culminating on the 10th day or Ashura. It has deployed a contingent reaching about 2,900 security personnel, including 100 women, who have been dispatched to secure 106 Hussainiyas. Movement around these sites will be controlled in order to ensure the safety of the participants.

Hussainiya s and mourning councils are witnessing a heavy presence with the decline of the coronavirus pandemic that had imposed unprecedented precautionary situation in Kuwait, similar to the rest of the Gulf countries and the world. The places of mourning are witnessing huge presence this year, when the month of Muharram passes with the height of the sweltering summer. The councils usually witness offering of religious lectures, followed by recitation of poems of lamentation and holding of condolence sessions.

As part of efforts of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Interior to boost security of Hussainiyas, Deputy Minister Lt. Gen. Anwar Al-Barjas conducted field tours of Hussainiyas and mourning sites, accompanied by a number of security officials. They followed up on the implementation of the security and traffic plan for securing Hussainiyas and their visitors during the month of Muharram, according to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Hawalli Governor and Acting Governor of the Capital Ali Salem Al-Asfar toured a number of security points in Hussainiyas and mourning councils in the areas of the capital and Hawalli governorate, in order to review the preparations of the concerned authorities.

Al-Asfar met with a number of officials involved in securing citizens and residents. He was accompanied by the Acting Director General of the Security Directorate of the Capital Governorate Maj. Gen. Abdullah Al-Rajib, and the acting Director General of the Hawalli Governorate Security Directorate Brig. Ziad Al-Khatib. He was briefed on the executive plan in the two governorates and the level of coordination between all participating sectors. Al-Asfar also met with a number of citizens and residents to know about their requirements and needs during the occasion of the Ashura commemoration.

It is noteworthy that a terrorist bombing targeted the Imam Al-Sadiq Mosque in the Al-Sawaber area in Kuwait on June 26, 2015, killing 27 people and wounding 227 others.

Director of the Department of Weqaya in the Capital Governorate Brig. Eng. Raed Abdul Rahman Ibrahim toured a number of Hussainiyas in the Capital Governorate, in order to review the security and safety requirements and the security plan that continues throughout the mourning days.

In Bahrain, mourners from all over the Kingdom flocked to commemorate Ashura. Bahrain’s ministries and public institutions remain closed on August 8 and 9 on the occasion of the Ashura holiday.

The Bahrain News Agency (BNA) said that the Community Service Police are working during the days of Muharram to provide the necessary facilities and provide related services for the success of the Ashura season and the promotion of public safety especially during mourning processions. The police personnel are also involved in awareness campaigns. The agency said that these efforts come within the framework of strengthening community partnership, and out of keenness to provide a safe atmosphere during the Ashura season.

The Governor of Bahrain’s Northern Governorate Ali Abdulhussein Al-Asfoor visited the mourning places and praised the level of organization and coordination made by the mourning departments and the related committees. He appreciated the extent of cooperation and coordination with the security and service authorities through the presence of the community service police to contribute to providing relevant services for the success of the Ashura season. The governor indicated that in light of the high temperatures, the governorate provided a number of volunteer paramedics with the support of a medical team for emergency cases in the mourning processions in the northern governorate.

Minister of Health, Dr. Jalila bint Sayed Jawad Hassan, inaugurated Imam Al-Hussain Medical Clinic to provide ambulance services for Ashura Commemoration. Speaking on the occasion, she said that the Ashura season enjoys continuous support of the government, in order to secure all the necessary needs for the success of this season. She also affirmed keenness of the health sector to protect the health and safety of all.

Brig. Sheikh Abdul Rahman Al-Khalifa, director general of the General Traffic Department in Bahrain, confirmed that the department has intensified the traffic presence in all the streets surrounding the mourning places where Ashura commemoration is being held through traffic arrangements that contribute to the smooth flow of movement and the safety of participants and all road users. “This came in accordance with the directives of the Council of Ministers to provide a safe environment and facilitate all needs and requirements in a way that contributes to the success of the Ashura season,” he added.