Bahrain Mirror: Ayatollah Sheikh Isa Qassim said the measures imposed by the Bahraini authorities on the commemoration of Ashura are "a mere political, not sectarian, war". Speaking during the commemoration held on the eve of the 10th of Muharram in the holy city of Qom (August 18, 2021), Sheikh Isa said: "There is no sectarian war against Shiites in Bahrain and the harassment against Ashura commemorations in Bahrain is nothing but a political, not sectarian, war." He stressed that "these majales (mourning gatherings) will continue despite all harassments."

"The political and security war on Ashura commemoration in these past years is clear. You, the Muslim and other world, do not need details about this war, and how much trouble, hardship, harm, fear and losses this aggressive war against Ashura in Bahrain has caused to our dear country," he added.

Sheikh Qassim wondered if "this war is based on sectarian issues?" He answered: "It could be something of that sort, but it's not the main issue in my opinion. It does exist to a degree, yes, but it is not the origin."

He explained that the origin of this unjust war is the hostility against the banner of Imam Hussein, his Ma'tams, eulogy reciters, administrations of Ma'tams, and every symbol of Ashura rites.

Sheikh Isa continued to say "Popularly and subjectively, there is no war waged by the Sunni people of Bahrain on Ma'tams and any Ashura manifestations. If any of this existed at some time, it would be by deception, provocation and malicious politics. The Islamic brotherhood between Shiites and Sunnis in Bahrain is strong and the coexistence is long lasting. There are also familial and personal relations between them. However, the political targeting of Ashura commemoration is for a political purpose."

Ayatollah Qassim stressed "as the Bahraini government treats Shiites severely, it treats Sunnis as such too and imposes sectarian restrictions of freedoms on Shiites and Sunnis alike. Yes, opportunities may be opened to the Sunni sect when it doesn't harm the authorities' policies. However, once there is a scholar, school, institution or activity that would go against their politics in any way, it will prompt the Sunni brothers to have the conviction for the need for Islamic rule, preference for Islamic governance by even seeking to reach an Islamic rule peacefully. Then, they will be ready to embrace all Shiites who don't agree with that path and seek their help against Sunnis. This is crystal clear."

"Look, is there a Sunni religious interest in the government that leads it to stand against Shiites in commemorating the memory of Abi Abdullah (PBUH)? This sentiment doesn't exist."

"This stems from a political basis which the Gulf Arab region share," he noted.

"This political crisis with Imam Hussein should not be reflected [negatively] in the conscience of Shiites, the thoughts of Shiites and the Shiites treatment of their Sunni brothers. Also, no enmity should emerge from the Sunni brothers to create hostility between Shiites and Sunnis."

Arabic Version