The population is overwhelmingly Muslim (Shi'a 70 percent, Sunni 30 percent). However, Christians and other non-Muslims, including Jews, Hindus, and Baha'is, are free to practice their religion, maintain their own places of worship and may display the symbols of their religion. Bibles and other Christian publications are displayed and sold openly in local bookshops, which also sell Islamic and other religious literature. Some small groups worship in their homes. Proselytizing by non-Muslims is discouraged, anti-Islamic writings are prohibited, and conversions from Islam to other religions, while not illegal, are not well tolerated by society.
Both Sunni and Shi'a sects are subject to governmental control and monitoring. The Government recently closed mosques and ma'tams (Shi'a community centers) in certain locations to prevent religious leaders from delivering political speeches. According to reports, security forces entered religious facilities and removed communication equipment, such as computers, printers, and fax machines, that were alleged to be used to further political unrest.
The government established an oversight body to review and approve all clerical appointments and program oversight for all citizens studying religion abroad. Public religious events are permitted but are closely watched by the police. The government monitors travel to Iran and scrutinizes those who choose to pursue religious study there.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Bahrain
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