Bahrain’s senior scholars has called on citizens not to comply with any present or future decisions that seek to restrict or suppress Shiite religious rituals, following what they described as official measures targeting mourning processions associated with the commemoration of Imam Hussein.

In a statement issued on 12 July, the scholars criticized decisions attributed to Bahrain’s Jaafari Endowments Directorate and Ministry of Interior, saying they aimed to prevent mourning processions that they described as a centuries-old tradition passed down through generations.

“What the authorities in Bahrain have undertaken… from decisions targeting mourning processions is condemned and completely rejected,” the statement said, adding that such positions had been repeatedly affirmed by senior religious scholars.

The statement praised participants in recent mourning processions, saying they had demonstrated “determination that did not weaken in the face of attempts to break their will,” and described the gatherings as a declaration that “the commitment to obey God cannot be broken.”

The scholars emphasized that the Husaini processions represent an “authentic religious ritual” and stated: “No one has authority over them, nor the right to restrict them or interfere in their affairs.”

They further added that restricting these practices was not merely an administrative matter, but “a direct confrontation with the status of Imam Hussein bin Ali and his Household,” and claimed that such measures affected both religious freedoms and the community’s cultural identity.

The statement concluded by urging believers to remain committed to their religious traditions, saying: “We call on all believing men and women not to respond, now or in the future, to any decision that seeks to suppress our religious rituals.”

The scholars affirmed that they would continue expressing their religious devotion through these practices, stating that “the word of truth will remain raised and will not fade before any attempt to silence it.”