Gulf | Bahrain
Military servicemen allowed to grow beards
The head of an Islamist society yesterday welcomed a move to allow military servicemen to grow beards.
- By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief
- Published: 16:45 April 17, 2008
Manama: The head of an Islamist society yesterday welcomed a move to allow military servicemen to grow beards.
"We wish to express our gratitude to the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) general commander Shaikh Khalifa Bin Ahmad Al Khalifa for allowing the soldiers and officers to grow beards starting May 1," Ganem Al Buainain, MP for Al Asala, said in a press statement.
"This decision will certainly allow a high number of people serving in the army to follow the teachings of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) on growing beards," he said.
No formal announcement was made by the military authorities on the decision, but Al Buainian said that he had confirmation that it would be made soon. Bahrain is the only country in the Gulf not to allow its servicemen in the military and in the police forces to grow beards.
The government had earlier rejected a proposal by Islamists to allow army and security servicemen to have beards on the grounds that men in uniform could be made to wear safety masks, which would cause serious challenges.
Freedom
But Al Asala, arguing that the ban on beards violated people's rights, has been pushing for the relaxation of the army and interior ministry rules on facial hair.
"The ban is a violation of the rights guaranteed by the constitution which stipulates that Islam is the religion of Bahrain and the source of its laws and that the state guarantees the freedom of religion," Al Buainain said. Salafis who adhere to a strict interpretation of Prophet Mohammad's saying "Do the opposite of what the pagans do. Keep the beards and cut the moustaches short" believe that it is mandatory to keep their beards and often do not trim them.
Bahrain's current parliament is dominated by Sunni and Shiite Islamists who have been calling for the adoption of rules and regulations that are more compliant with their interpretation of Islam.
Earlier this week, Al Menbar MP Mohammad Khalid said that he would push to ban Gulf Air, the national airline, from serving alcoholic beverages.
On Tuesday, an MP told parliament that he was too embarrassed to take his family to the beach because it was used by semi-nude women.
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