Expat Guide: Religious Practices in Bahrain

Published on March 3, 2026 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Located in the heart of the Persian Gulf, Bahrain is a fascinating destination where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously; for expatriates, understanding local religious practices is essential for integration and respecting local customs.

The predominant religion is Islam, which permeates not only spiritual life but also the social calendar and daily interactions. From daily prayers to religious and cultural events, these practices shape the rhythm of Bahraini life.

This article aims to demystify the main celebrations, codes of conduct to observe, and places of worship to discover, in a spirit of tolerance and cultural enrichment.

Religious Practices and Their Influence on Daily Life in Bahrain

Islam is the dominant religion in Bahrain, where it is the state religion. The Muslim population is primarily divided between Ja’fari Shia (approximately 60-70%) and Sunnis, the latter including the ruling Al Khalifa family who follow the Maliki school. Among Sunnis, certain tribes and the Huwala ethnic group follow the Maliki or Shafi’i rites respectively. Immigrants from South Asia are generally Sunni of the Hanafi rite.

Other Religious Communities

Other religious communities:

• An expatriate Christian minority represents nearly 15% of the total population.
• Presence of small Jewish and Hindu communities.
• Christians enjoy relative freedom of worship despite the official application of Sharia law.

Main Islamic Rites Practiced

Daily prayer times: five times a day (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha), structuring the daily rhythm.

Major religious holidays:

• Ramadan: sacred month of daytime fasting observed by a large portion of residents; significant impact on work and school schedules (shortened days).
• Eid al-Fitr: holiday marking the end of Ramadan; important family and community celebrations.
• Eid al-Adha: festival of sacrifice; frequent family gatherings and charitable acts.
• Mawlid (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) & Islamic New Year.

Table of Main Islamic Holidays in Bahrain

Holiday	Date according to lunar calendar	Characteristics	Social/Economic Impact
Ramadan	Sacred month	Daytime fasting	Reduced work hours
Eid al-Fitr	End of Ramadan	Collective prayers/family	National holiday
Eid al-Adha	After pilgrimage	Sacrifice/donation to poor	National holiday
Mawlid	12 Rabi’ al-awwal	Commemoration	Limited cultural activities

Central Role of Mosques

Mosques play a central role in community life:

• Main locations for daily prayers, weekly sermons (especially Friday), religious education, and social gatherings.
• Often located in the heart of residential neighborhoods or near administrative centers.

Influence on Daily Life

Influence on daily life:

• Work schedules are adjusted during Ramadan with notable daytime reductions.
• Some commercial activities close during prayer times or major holidays.
• Official holidays during major religious holidays mentioned above.

Implications for Expatriates

Adapted list to summarize main expectations

• Publicly respect local practices during Ramadan (avoid eating or drinking in public during daytime).
• Adapt work habits to modified schedules during this period and holidays related to Islamic celebrations.
• Refrain from openly expressing any criticism of Islam or its rites in public spaces.

Non-Muslim expatriates can practice their religion in certain designated places but must discreetly respect local customs. Two official Catholic churches exist in the country to meet the spiritual needs of a community primarily composed of foreigners.

Understanding and Respecting Main Religious Holidays

Islam is the state religion in Bahrain, and religious holidays are deeply rooted in local culture. Here are some of the main religious celebrations observed in the country:

Main Religious Holidays in Bahrain

Holiday	Date	Description
Islamic New Year	1st Muharram	Marks the beginning of the Islamic year
Ashura	9th & 10th Muharram	Commemoration of the martyr Hussein, grandson of Muhammad
Mawlid al-Nabi	12th Rabi’ al-awwal	Celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birth
Ramadan	Month of Ramadan	Period of fasting and reflection
Eid al-Fitr	1st, 2nd & 3rd Shawwal	Celebration of Ramadan’s end
Day of Arafat	9th Dhu al-Hijjah	Commemoration of Muhammad’s final sermon
Eid al-Adha	10th, 11th & 12th Dhu al-Hijjah	Commemoration of Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son

Context and Religious Practices

• Ramadan: During Ramadan month, Muslims fast during daylight hours, which can affect work schedules and public activities. Evenings are often marked by family gatherings and shared meals.
• Eid al-Fitr: This holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with family festivities, gifts for children, and special meals.
• Eid al-Adha: Commemorates Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son. Muslims celebrate by offering sacrifices (usually animals), distributing meat to the poor, and participating in special prayers.
• Ashura: For the Shia community, Ashura is a period of mourning and commemoration of the martyr Hussein. Processions and lamentations are common.

Practical Tips for Expatriates

• Respect local customs: It’s important to dress appropriately during religious events and respect local traditions.
• Participate or avoid certain activities: During Ramadan, it’s preferable not to eat, drink, or smoke in public out of respect for those fasting. Expatriates can participate in public cultural events but must be sensitive to religious practices.
• Understand interruptions: Work and business hours may be affected during religious holidays. It’s advisable to plan ahead and stay informed of exact dates to avoid inconveniences.

Adaptations and Behavioral Codes for Expatriates

Religious practice in Bahrain is primarily Muslim, with a Shia majority and Sunni minority. The five pillars of Islam structure daily life: prayer (salat), Ramadan fasting, almsgiving (zakat), pilgrimage (hajj), and declaration of faith. These practices influence business opening hours, daily rhythms, and social interactions during sacred periods like Ramadan.

Main Muslim Religious Practices:

• Daily prayer: Five times a day, often announced by the muezzin’s call.
• Ramadan: Sacred month during which eating, drinking, or smoking in public between sunrise and sunset is prohibited.
• Religious holidays: Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan; Eid al-Adha commemorates Abraham’s sacrifice.

Appropriate Dress Codes:

Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees in public spaces.

When visiting a mosque or attending a religious event:

• Men: long pants, shirt or t-shirt covering arms.
• Women: loose clothing; headscarf recommended in some Muslim places of worship.

Attitudes and Behaviors During Ramadan:

Absolutely required:

• Do not consume food or drinks in public during daytime.
• Avoid loud expressions of joy or ostentatious festivities outside religious context.
• Adapt work schedules to local rhythms (shorter days).

Respect for Religious Places and Objects:

Place/Object	What to do	What to avoid
Mosques	Remove shoes before entering	Taking photos without permission
Quran	Handle with respect	Placing on the ground
Sacred spaces	Behave calmly	Entering without invitation

Tips for Respectfully Interacting with People Practicing Their Religion:

• Greet discreetly during prayer or meditation times; do not interrupt these sacred moments
• Research before addressing religion-related topics
• Never criticize or joke about local faith

Cultural sensitivity and mutual respect are essential for harmonious integration: discreet observation before acting often helps avoid missteps. Active listening also facilitates adaptation to local cultural subtleties.

Religious Freedom and Resources for Practicing Expatriates

Religious Freedom in Bahrain

Bahrain’s Constitution guarantees absolute freedom of conscience and the inviolability of places of worship. Everyone is free to practice religious rites, organize processions and religious meetings, as long as local customs are respected. The state protects these rights and promotes a climate of religious tolerance, although Islam is the official religion and Sharia is the primary source of law. Freedom of opinion and expression is also guaranteed, provided it doesn’t undermine fundamental Islamic beliefs or national unity. Religious groups must register with the relevant ministry, allowing some administrative control, but practice of different faiths is generally respected.

Main Practiced Religions

Religion	Status in Bahrain	Cultural and Social Influence
Shia Islam	Majority	Influences holidays, calendar, social life
Sunni Islam	Significant minority	Holds key positions in government
Christianity	Minority	Presence of historical churches, Christian holidays
Hinduism	Minority (Indian community)	Temples, Indian cultural celebrations
Judaism	Very small minority, historical community	Synagogue, discreet community life

Islam structures daily life (holidays, schedules, food, clothing during religious events). Other religions enjoy some visibility, particularly in expatriate neighborhoods and during their major holidays.

Places of Worship and Religious Communities

• Major mosques: Al Fateh Grand Mosque (welcomes visitors of all faiths, English guided tours), Imam Hussain Mosque (Shia).
• Churches: Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia (Awali), St. Christopher’s Anglican Church (Manama), Protestant and Orthodox churches.
• Hindu temples: Shrinathji Temple (Manama), several small temples in Indian neighborhoods.
• Synagogue: Single synagogue in the capital, discreet but active community.

Communities organize welcome groups for expatriates, facilitating integration, access to religious services, and participation in community events.

Available Resources and Support

• Religious associations offering services in different languages (English, Hindi, Tagalog, etc.).
• Interfaith groups working for dialogue and tolerance.
• Distribution of meals conforming to dietary precepts (halal, kosher, vegetarian) during events and holidays.
• Community centers offering social support, practical advice, and information about local religious practices.

Religious Events and Celebrations

Event/Holiday	Religion	Characteristics and Expatriate Integration
Ramadan and Eid	Islam	Shared iftar meals, festive evenings
Ashura	Shia Islam	Public processions, respectful participation
Christmas, Easter	Christianity	Masses, concerts, Christmas markets
Diwali	Hinduism	Colorful festivals, performances, open houses
Hanukkah, Passover	Judaism	Family celebrations, sometimes open to others

Expatriates are often invited to participate or observe these celebrations, promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding.

Cultural Considerations and Practical Tips

• Wear modest attire (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting mosques, temples, or churches.
• Remove shoes in Hindu places of worship and some mosques.
• Respect silence and avoid taking photos without permission during ceremonies.
• During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daytime.
• Adopt a respectful attitude toward all religious practices, even if they differ from personal traditions.

Respecting local religious sensitivities contributes to harmonious integration and enriches the expatriate experience in Bahrain.