Deputy premier inaugurates Shaikha Moza mosque

Manama, June 25 (BNA): His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa today deputised Deputy Premier Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to inaugurate the late Shaikha Moza bint Hamad Al Khalifa Mosque in Riffa. The deputy premier extended sincere thanks and appreciation to His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa for his constant keenness on supporting the sector of Islamic affairs and endowments, and caring for the houses of worship. He affirmed the interest of the government, led by His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in mosques regarding the expansion or maintenance of the existing ones and the building of new ones, which, he said, reflects Bahrain’s strong Islamic belonging. He lauded the Shaikha Moza Mosque, being a new landmark religious monument that reflects the Bahrain society’s strong commitment to the precepts of Islam and keenness to perform its pillars. The deputy premier affirmed Bahrain’s keenness to care about houses of worship and ensure the comfort of worshippers through the efforts of public or private institutions and charitable works which have always been a distinctive feature of the Bahraini society, including all its segments and sects. He said that mosques should promote morals and the tolerant precepts of the Islamic religion, given their spiritual role. He stressed the Bahraini society’s interest in mosques, adherence to religious values and commitment to authentic deep-rooted traditions which promote piety and philanthropic work. The deputy premier expressed sincere thanks and appreciation to the Sunni Endowments Directorate for the tremendous efforts it had exerted to finalise the building of the mosque. Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali Al Khalifa delivered a statement during the event. He extended heartfelt thanks and appreciation to HRH the Prime Minister for patronising the inauguration ceremony of the mosque. He also paid tribute to his father HH Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who he said, launched the idea of the mosque. He also thanked the Sunni Endowments Directorate for its follow-up on the project, as well as the Bahrain Dar Al Khaleej WLL and RP Construction companies for their tireless efforts to complete the project on time, and cooperation throughout its implementation. Then, member of the Sunni Endowments Council Dr. Shaikh Rashid Al-Hajiri also made a statement during the event. He asserted that Bahrain is blessed with leaders who are interested in building mosques and preparing them for worshippers, noting that the inauguration of the late Shaikha Moza Mosque adds to Al-Khalifa Royal Family’s milestone achievements throughout history. Under the leadership of HM King Hamad, and thanks to the support of HRH Premier and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister, more mosques will be built in Bahrain, as part of the kingdom’s sound approach in caring for houses of worship, he said. He prayed Allah Almighty to grant heavenly rewards to Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and all those who contributed to the building of the mosque. After that, the deputy premier toured the mosque and was briefed about its construction stages, facilities and services. He expressed admiration of the mosque’s genuine Bahraini architecture. Built according to the traditional Bahraini architectural style, the mosque includes a large hall for big events, as well as other service facilities. The 3,000-square metre two-storey mosque is equipped with a lift to ensure the comfort of worshippers, and is expected to be inaugurated within the next few days. The state-of-the-art mosque can accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers, including 950 in the two floors, 850 in the courtyard and 250 in the women's hall.