His Majesty King Hamad has long been a symbol of peace and tolerance in the region. This was reaffirmed during a reception at Sakhir Palace last Wednesday, where I had the privilege of shaking His Majesty’s hand and meeting with other distinguished members of the royal family.
His Majesty’s warm greeting, coupled with his commitment to fostering a culture of hope and positive engagement among Bahraini youth, underscores the nation’s dedication to peace and international co-operation. His address to the gathering emphasised the significance of avoiding regional conflicts and harnessing the nation’s resources to build a prosperous and harmonious future.
The speech conveyed profound messages of peace, tolerance and unity, urging Bahrainis to stay away from surrounding crises and conflicts and to dedicate their efforts toward building the nation. Throughout the address, a strong sense of pride was evident, highlighting the continuous and remarkable achievements Bahrain has made in both national fields and on the international stage.
Fatherhood in the speech was not only reflected in the pride and joy over the achievements of Shaikh Nasser, but also in the wisdom and guidance shared, emphasising the importance of guiding young people to live by principles of goodness, peace and dignity, so that they become the strongest defenders of their heritage.
This message underscores the commitment to the people of Bahrain, encouraging them to uphold humanitarian values and noble principles while rejecting violence and war.
The celebration of Shaikh Nasser carries profound significance, showcasing success across multiple fields, with a particular focus on sports.
Sports capture the dynamic spirit of youth, fuelled by ambition and a drive for excellence, and Shaikh Nasser stands as a powerful role model for Bahraini youth. Bahrain’s achievements extend well beyond politics and the economy, encompassing sports and other areas that embody the nation’s values of love and peace.
The King is a leader deeply committed to peace, recognising it as the most effective path to the success and prosperity of societies, particularly on a humanitarian level. Under his leadership, Bahrain has prioritised security and stability as the foundation for progress. This dedication to humanitarian principles has driven Bahrain to actively pursue a just and comprehensive peace.
One of the most striking recent examples of the King’s compassion is the royal pardon, part of a series of royal initiatives that reinforce the nation’s reform efforts. Over the past six months, more than 2,500 convicts have been pardoned, offering a profound lesson in tolerance and moral leadership.
The King’s devotion to fostering religious tolerance, national unity and peaceful coexistence among all religions and sects is evident in Bahrain’s remarkable religious landscape. Bahrain boasts the highest number of mosques relative to population and area in the world, alongside more than 19 churches, a synagogue in central Manama dating back to 1930, and numerous other places of worship for various sects.
In Bahrain, people freely practise their religions within a framework of harmonious coexistence between diverse religions, cultures and civilisations. Through His Majesty’s wisdom, Bahraini society has achieved a level of mutual understanding and coexistence that many others have not, making the kingdom a proud example of moral integrity and unity, reflecting an unwritten code embraced by all.
Under the King’s leadership, Bahrain remains a land of safety and a beacon for peace that safeguards human dignity and envisions a prosperous future.
His opening words in Bahrain’s declaration serve as a guiding principle: “Ignorance is the enemy of peace, so it is our duty to learn, share and live according to the principles of faith in the spirit of mutual respect and love.”
Global peaceful coexistence can only be realised when we wish for our neighbours what we wish for ourselves, fostering a world built on mutual understanding and respect for each other’s humanity.