In a first, Friday sermon in English in Bahrain

Manama

For the first time in Bahrain, the Friday sermon will be given in English, authorities said. The Friday sermon (Juma'a in Arabic) at Masjid Yateem in Manama will presented in English starting today.

“The move comes to the aid of expatriates, who do not understand the Arabic language,” authorities said. Traditionally Friday sermon in the GCC is given in Arabic, although the sermons in the non-Arab speaking nations are in their native languages.

"Sunni Waqf Directorate notes that Juma'a will be applied in Masjid Yateem in Manama during Ramadan in English language." Sunni Waqf Directorate said in a statement.

Organizers told DT News that the English sermons are planned for the next four weeks. "Currently we have planned for the next four weeks. If we get a positive response, we will try to make it permanent. It is also possible that we introduce into a different, bigger mosque. We also want to introduce the sermons in other languages, but this may take time," a Sunni Waqf Directorate told DT News “The speaker will be Sultan Bilal, who is a major figure in Islamic Dawah Centre. He is experienced in giving sermons in Arabic as well as in English.