Preaching and Religious Guidance in Bahrain: The Licensing Changes under Decision No. 74 of 2026

A ministerial amendment with a wider scope

The measure is a ministerial decision amending an earlier ministerial decision, rather than a new parliamentary law or decree-law. The revised framework addresses preaching and guidance, Friday and Eid sermons, and religious chanting at religious occasions and gatherings. It therefore gives express attention to activities beyond the narrower wording of the earlier title.

The places covered include mosques, congregational mosques and prayer areas, as well as ma'atams and other facilities designated for religious activities and observances. The relevant competent department is identified by reference to the Sunni or Jaafari affairs administration, as applicable. The article reads these provisions as bringing the covered activities and venues within a common licensing structure while retaining the role of the competent administration.

Prior authorisation and a licence tied to its holder

The amended rules expressly prohibit practising the covered activities without prior authorisation. They also prohibit a licence holder from appointing another person to carry out the authorised work on their behalf. A personal licence is consequently linked to the qualifications, experience and suitability of the individual assessed; it cannot be used as a substitute for the separate authorisation of someone else.

A valid certificate of good conduct is among the requirements discussed in the amendment. The licensing period must not exceed two years, making renewal and continuing compliance relevant after the initial application. Applicants should use the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Waqf's designated registration service and confirm the documents required by the competent department.

An exceptional route for experienced practitioners

The analysis also considers the route for applicants who do not hold the usual formal qualification. The criteria described include recognised scholarly contributions through publications and programmes, at least seven years of preaching experience, or a previous official assignment in preaching and guidance lasting at least two years. These criteria concern consideration for a licence under the prescribed process; experience does not itself create an automatic exemption from licensing.

Such applications are referred to the specialised committee for examination and a recommendation to the Undersecretary. The committee stage allows the applicant's circumstances to be considered collectively before the final administrative decision, preserving the distinction between an exceptional qualification route and an unrestricted right to practise.

The committee's role continues after licensing

The licensing committee brings together relevant religious, administrative and technical expertise. Its functions include setting criteria and document requirements, examining applications and conducting interviews and assessments. Its remit also extends to monitoring licensees' performance, considering reports and analysing the content of religious discourse, with recommendations for appropriate action.

This makes authorisation part of a continuing system of supervision. As the article observes, the practical reach of that supervision depends on the standards and procedures applied by the competent bodies. A licence holder should therefore follow the instructions and conditions issued under the framework throughout the licence period, rather than treating approval as the end of the compliance process.

Conduct, fundraising and the use of religious premises

The obligations discussed in the amended Article 9 bis include complying with the decision and its implementing instructions, observing the applicable standards and etiquette of religious discourse, and safeguarding the premises and their contents. Religious venues must not be used for purposes outside those for which they are designated.

Collecting donations or financial assistance, inviting contributions or advertising them must comply with the separate legislation and regulatory requirements governing fundraising. Permission to preach or chant does not, by itself, authorise fundraising. Keeping those permissions distinct is a central practical point for both individual licensees and organisers of religious events.

Cancellation, commencement and the transitional period

The amendment adds grounds for cancellation where the decision or its implementing instructions and controls are breached, or a licensing condition ceases to be met. The article notes that the decision does not itself set out a detailed new objection procedure; questions about administrative grievances and judicial review must be considered under the applicable general rules and the circumstances of the individual decision.

The commencement provision ties the decision's operation to the day following its publication in the Official Gazette, while a separate provision gives those addressed by it one month from commencement to regularise their position. These are different concepts: the date of legal operation and the transitional time allowed for compliance. An affected person should check the Gazette text and the competent department's instructions when calculating any relevant period.