A FIRE that broke out in a ma’atam (community hall) in A’ali has prompted renewed calls for safety and first-aid measures to be put in place at worship sites across the kingdom.
The incident, which occurred at the Haj Ahmed Mansoor Al Aali Ma’atam during celebrations marking the Prophet’s birthday on Tuesday night, caused significant material damage but no injuries.
The fire was swiftly brought under control by the Civil Defence.
Southern Municipal Council chairman Abdulla Abdullatif said the fire should serve as a wake-up call to put in place basic safety systems in mosques and ma’atams.
“There has to be someone or a group responsible in the mosque or ma’atam for health and safety,” Mr Abdullatif told the council during its first meeting of the final term yesterday.
“Different fire extinguishers, first-aid techniques and emergency reactions should be known. No one died in the incident, thankfully, but there has to be someone knowledgeable who can intervene before the ambulance, fire brigade or police arrive.”
Mr Abdullatif explained that worship places often witness large gatherings, especially during peak religious events such as Ashoora or the Prophet’s birthday.
Without trained volunteers or designated safety officers, he warned, the risk of injuries and casualties in case of fires, electrical faults or crowd-related incidents could increase.
“We cannot wait for a tragedy to strike before we act,” he added. “Preparedness is not a luxury; it is a responsibility.
“Efforts from some individuals, groups and societies have happened during Ashoora this year, but the thing has to be year-long and continuous.”
Community members in A’ali echoed calls for enhanced safety readiness, noting that the incident could have had far more serious consequences had it not been for the quick action of Civil Defence.
Some residents also supported Mr Abdullatif’s proposal to assign trained individuals in each worship place to oversee safety protocols.
Mr Abdullatif stressed that while the fire in A’ali was an isolated incident, it underlined a broader issue that needs urgent attention.
“This is not just about extinguishers, but about awareness, readiness and the ability to save lives in those crucial first moments,” he said.
Measures
“Simple measures such as training volunteers in CPR, first aid, fire response and evacuation procedures can make the difference between a contained incident and a national tragedy.”
The council is expected to follow up on the matter with recommendations to the relevant authorities, urging that basic health and safety training be introduced in all mosques and ma’atams across Bahrain.
Mr Abdullatif also called for the installation of proper fire safety equipment, including smoke detectors and alarms, alongside regular inspections to ensure equipment is functional.
“We have a duty to protect people in places where they gather for worship, reflection, and community service,” he said.
“Faith teaches us responsibility – and responsibility in this context means being prepared.”
Following the fire, a high-level delegation from the Jaffari Endowments (Waqf) Directorate visited the site to assess the damage and reassure the community of their support.
Acting under the directives of Jaffari Endowments chairman Yousif bin Saleh Al Saleh, director-general Abduljalil Al Hayki carried out an on-site inspection of the affected hall.
He was accompanied by head of the engineering services section Hassan Khatem, who conducted a preliminary technical evaluation.
Mr Al Hayki both expressed their appreciation to the Interior Ministry, represented by the Civil Defence, for its efficiency and professionalism in containing the blaze before it spread further.
They also commended the co-operation of the ma’atam’s administration and local residents.
“The administration is keen to provide all necessary care, support and assistance to mosques and ma’tams, and to contribute to their development and reconstruction in line with their noble mission,” Mr Al Hayki said following the inspection.
He confirmed that the damage was limited to material losses and that a comprehensive technical report would soon be prepared to determine the structural condition of the hall and the most suitable rehabilitation measures.
The administration of the ma’atam expressing its gratitude to the Interior Ministry for its rapid intervention.
It also extended appreciation to the Jaffari Endowments for its immediate field visit and direct follow-up on the consequences of the fire.
The Ja’fari Endowments has pledged to co-ordinate closely with the authorities to ensure the ma’atam is restored quickly and safely.
Once the technical assessment is completed, rehabilitation work is expected to begin, allowing the community to resume its activities in a safe environment.
Meanwhile, the fire has ignited a wider discussion about safety standards in worship places across Bahrain, with municipal councils, religious endowments, and the Civil Defence all playing a role in shaping a proactive approach to protecting lives.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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