Islam in Bahrain is the official and dominant religion, deeply woven into the country’s identity, society, and politics.

Overview:
Around 70–75% of Bahrain’s population is Muslim.

The population is roughly split between Shia Muslims (about 60–65%) and Sunni Muslims (30–35%)—making Bahrain unique among Gulf Arab states as it has a Shia Muslim majority but is ruled by a Sunni monarchy (the Al Khalifa family).

Islamic Sects in Bahrain:
Shia Muslims:

• Mostly follow Twelver Shiism (Jafari school).
• Many are ethnically Bahraini Arabs, with a history on the islands going back centuries.
• Shia Islam heavily influences local culture, festivals, and religious life—especially in towns like Sitra, Diraz, and Sanabis.

Sunni Muslims:

• Include both indigenous Bahrainis and Sunni Arabs from elsewhere in the Gulf.
• The ruling family, military, and much of the political elite are Sunni.

Islamic Life in Bahrain:

• Mosques are widespread, and both Shia and Sunni mosques are found across the country.
• Bahrain hosts large Ashura commemorations, a central event for Shia Muslims, where thousands participate in mourning rituals—rare in the wider Gulf region.
• Friday sermons are an important religious and political platform, especially in Shia-majority areas.

Islamic Law:
Islam is the official religion, and Islamic principles influence civil laws, particularly regarding:

• Family law (marriage, divorce, inheritance)—separate Shia and Sunni courts exist.
• Public morality and alcohol regulations (though Bahrain is one of the more liberal Gulf states regarding alcohol sales to non-Muslims).

Criminal law is largely secular, but Islamic values shape public life.

Islamic Education:

• Islamic studies are compulsory in public schools.
• Religious seminaries (hawzas) exist for Shia clerical education.
• Sunnis have Islamic institutes and centers for religious training and preaching.

Religious Freedom & Minorities:

• Bahrain is generally tolerant towards other religions, such as Christianity, Hinduism, and Judaism, with small but active non-Muslim communities.
• Proselytizing Muslims to convert to another religion is illegal.
• Occasionally, tensions arise between the Sunni-led government and the Shia majority, particularly around political representation.

Notable Islamic Institutions:

• Al Fateh Grand Mosque (Manama) – the largest mosque in Bahrain and a major religious and tourist site.
• Numerous Shia religious centers (ma’atams), where community events and commemorations like Ashura are held.

Islamic Culture:

• Ramadan is a major public observance; businesses reduce hours and public eating/drinking during daylight is forbidden.
• Islamic holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are widely celebrated.
• Bahrain maintains a balance between Islamic tradition and modern Gulf cosmopolitanism.

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Bahrain
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .bh
Country Code: +973