Religious Life in Bahrain: Places of Worship and Communities

Published on September 29, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Bahrain, an archipelago in the Persian Gulf, stands out for its cultural and religious richness, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s spiritual diversity. At the crossroads of worlds, this small kingdom is a true melting pot of civilizations where numerous religious communities coexist, each with its own rituals and places of worship.

From the majestic Al-Fateh Grand Mosque, capable of accommodating up to seven thousand worshippers, to Christian churches reflecting an active minority, along with Hindu temples and Jewish synagogues, Bahrain perfectly illustrates the peaceful coexistence and interfaith dialogue that prevail here.

This spiritual mosaic is evident not only in the country’s sacred architecture but also through festivals and celebrations that punctuate daily life, showcasing the tolerance and openness that characterize this island kingdom.

By exploring iconic places of worship and meeting the diverse communities that shape Bahrain’s religious and cultural identity, one discovers a microcosm where tradition and modernity live in harmony.

Religious Landscape in Bahrain

Bahraini society is distinguished by a notable religious diversity, stemming from a historical mix of local and expatriate populations. Here is a detailed overview of the main religions present, their socio-cultural importance, and the coexistence dynamics shaping the national identity.

Religion	% of Population (2025)	Socio-cultural and Historical Importance
Islam	70-74%	Official religion, foundation of law and national values. Two main branches: Shia Islam (majority among native Bahrainis, Baharna & Ajam communities) and Sunni Islam (dominant in government spheres). Religious holidays structure the national calendar.
Christianity	10-14%	Primarily practiced by expatriates from India, Philippines, or Western countries; historical presence of a native Bahraini Christian minority (notably Greek Orthodox). Contributes to cultural diversity through private schools, historic churches in Manama.
Hinduism	~10%	Imported by the large Indian community; Hindu temples visible in Manama; essential role in the commercial and artisanal sectors since the 19th century.
Buddhism	~2-2.5%	Mainly practiced by Asian immigrants; discreet but active places of worship within the South Asian diaspora.
Judaism	<0.1%	Historical presence of a small native Jewish community; symbol of religious tolerance in the Gulf.

Main Places of Worship in Bahrain

The main places of worship in Bahrain reflect the country’s religious and cultural diversity, with each site playing an essential role in the life of local communities.

Place of Worship	Religion	Capacity/Attendance	Historical/Cultural Importance	Notable Events
Al-Fatih Grand Mosque	Islam (Sunni)	7,000 worshippers	Symbol of Islamic heritage, inaugurated in 1988, imposing architecture, giant fiberglass dome	Friday prayers, Ramadan, Eid celebrations
Al Khamis Mosque	Islam (Sunni)	Several hundred	One of the oldest mosques in the Gulf (7th century), double minaret, major historical site	Local pilgrimages, daily prayers
Sacred Heart Catholic Church	Christianity	Several thousand	First Catholic church in the Gulf (1939), center for the expatriate community	Masses, Christmas, Easter
Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral	Christianity	2,300 worshippers	Largest Catholic cathedral in the Arabian Peninsula, inaugurated in 2021	Masses, major Christian celebrations
Krishna Hindu Temple	Hinduism	Several hundred	One of the oldest Hindu temples in the Gulf, founded in the 19th century in Manama, center for the Indian community	Holi, Diwali, Hindu religious festivals
Manama Synagogue	Judaism	Very small community	Only synagogue in the Gulf, symbol of tolerance, recently restored	Shabbat services, Jewish holidays

Details and Anecdotes:

Al-Fatih Grand Mosque

Located in Manama, it is open to non-Muslim visitors, making it a bridge between cultures. During tours, a guide explains:

“Here, every Friday, the mosque fills with families coming to pray together, a moment of sharing and reflection.”

During Ramadan and Eid, the mosque hosts thousands of worshippers for major prayers and organizes meal distributions for the community.

Al Khamis Mosque

This mosque, with its iconic twin minarets, is a historical landmark. A worshipper shares:

“Praying here means feeling the weight of history and the continuity of our faith through the centuries.”

Visitors marvel at the architectural remains and the spiritual atmosphere of the place.

Christian Churches

The Christian community, mostly composed of expatriates, gathers primarily at the Sacred Heart Church in Manama, where masses are held in multiple languages. At the recently inaugurated Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, a worshipper explains:

“This cathedral is a haven of peace where Christians from across the region can practice their faith freely.”

Hindu Temples

The Krishna Temple in Manama is the center for major Hindu festivals like Diwali, where the Indian community gathers in large numbers. A participant recounts:

“During celebrations, the temple lights up with a thousand colors; it’s a moment of joy and unity.”

Manama Synagogue

Although the Jewish community is very small, the synagogue remains a strong symbol of religious coexistence. A community member testifies:

“Even in small numbers, we can practice our religion safely; that’s unique in the region.”

Events and Attendance

• Major mosques host the main collective prayers every Friday and during major Islamic holidays.
• Churches celebrate Christmas, Easter, and other Christian holidays with exceptional attendance, attracting worshippers from across the Gulf.
• Hindu temples regularly organize celebrations open to all, symbolizing the integration of the Indian community.
• The synagogue holds services during major Jewish holidays, sometimes with representatives from other faiths, illustrating religious tolerance in Bahrain.

Bahrain’s religious diversity is thus embodied in the harmonious coexistence of its mosques, churches, temples, and synagogue, true witnesses to the openness and mutual respect that characterize the kingdom.

Expatriate Religious Communities in Bahrain

Bahrain hosts a mosaic of expatriate religious communities that actively participate in the kingdom’s social and cultural life. Among the most notable groups are Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, as well as Buddhist and Jewish communities.

Community	Main Origins	Places of Worship	Major Events
Christian	India, Philippines, Europe, Middle East (Iraq, Syria…)	Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral (Awali), Protestant and Orthodox churches in Manama and Riffa	Christmas, Easter, multilingual masses
Hindu	India	Historic Hindu temple in Manama	Diwali, Holi
Sikh	India	Gurdwara (Sikh prayer place)	Vaisakhi
Buddhist	Sri Lanka, Thailand	Community centers	Vesak
Jewish	Various countries	Historic synagogue	Hanukkah

Places of Worship

• The Our Lady of Arabia Catholic Cathedral is the largest church in the Arabian Peninsula; it illustrates the kingdom’s commitment to interfaith dialogue.
• Hindu temples are among the oldest non-Muslim sites in the Gulf.
• Gurdwaras allow Sikhs to organize their weekly prayers.

Social Integration

• Expatriates practice their faith freely in dedicated facilities.
• The Bahraini constitution guarantees legal protection for religious minorities; they can hold important positions in the economy or healthcare but not at the top of political power.
• Religious events are often open to the local public or lead to cultural collaborations. For example:
  • During the Muslim Ramadan, it is not uncommon for Muslims and non-Muslims to share iftar in a spirit of national unity.

Multicultural Dynamics

Religious diversity is maintained by:

• An official climate of tolerance: allocation of land to build non-Islamic places of worship.
• Interfaith dialogue: regular visits between local and expatriate religious leaders; participation in each other’s festivals.
• Mutual respect during major national or religious celebrations (example: public guidelines during Ramadan).

“Here we can practice our faith without fear or constraint. Diversity is an integral part of daily life,” testifies an Indian Christian expatriate who has lived here for ten years.

Community Collaborations

• Interfaith forums organized by expatriate associations with official support
• Joint charitable actions during major holidays
• Educational projects promoting the country’s plural history

All this contributes to enriching a religious life marked by cultural exchange while respecting Bahrain’s Islamic legal framework.

Religious Options for Expatriates Living in Bahrain

Bahrain hosts a wide religious diversity among its expatriates, offering varied options for spiritual practice and community integration.

Main Religious Communities Present:

• Christians: Mostly expatriates from South Asia (India, Philippines, Sri Lanka), the Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Egypt), Europe, and North America. A small minority of Bahraini Christians also exists.
• Hindus: Primarily Indian community, well-integrated into the expatriate fabric.
• Jews: Very small community, but Bahrain is the only Gulf country with a historic synagogue.
• Other Minorities: Buddhists, Sikhs, and other Asian groups are also present.

Main Accessible Places of Worship:

Community	Places of Worship	Services in Foreign Languages
Catholics	Our Lady of Arabia Cathedral, Sacred Heart Church	English, Tagalog, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi
Protestants	St. Christopher’s Anglican Church, Evangelical churches	English, sometimes other languages
Orthodox	Greek, Syriac, Coptic churches	Arabic, Greek, English, Syriac
Hindus	Hindu Temple in Manama	Hindi, English
Jews	Manama Synagogue	English, Hebrew

• Churches and temples often hold multiple services weekly in different languages to accommodate non-Arabic speaking expatriates.
• The recently renovated synagogue hosts services for the Jewish community and visitors.

Accessible Religious Events and Festivals:

• Christians: Celebration of Christmas, Easter, saints’ feast days, often open to participation by all expatriates.
• Hindus: Festivals like Diwali, Holi, celebrated in temples and sometimes in community centers.
• Jews: Hanukkah, Passover celebrations, with community events open to expatriates.
• Interfaith events and multicultural festivals are regularly organized, promoting integration.

Integration and Community Life:

• Religious communities offer:
  • Welcome groups for newcomers.
  • Social, educational, and charitable activities open to all.
  • Spiritual and cultural support associations, often coordinated with embassies or expatriate networks.

Respect for Local Laws Regarding Religious Practice:

• Practice of non-Muslim religions is permitted in recognized places of worship, but proselytizing to Muslims or organizing religious demonstrations outside dedicated spaces is strictly prohibited.
• Conversions from Islam to another religion are socially and legally sensitive, and public expressions of faith should remain discreet.

Support and Guidance:

• Several associations and organizations, often linked to churches, temples, and synagogues, offer spiritual guidance, counseling, and social assistance to expatriates.
• Interfaith groups encourage dialogue and harmony, strengthening cohesion within the expatriate population.

Bahrain, thanks to its multicultural environment, offers expatriates a wide range of religious options, provided they respect legal frameworks and local sensitivities.