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The main religion in Bahrain, Islam, is the state religion. Of the Bahrain population, almost all the nationals practice Islam. The majority of the population, some 80% practice% practise Shia Islam. As per the 2001 Census, 81 per cent are Muslims, 9 per cent are Christians and other religions constitute 10 %. Also, in recent years, due to immigration and guest worker arrivals from non-Muslim countries, such as India, Philippines and Sri Lanka, the percentage of Muslims in the country has declined. Modern Islam religion in Bahrain: As per the Bahraini Constitution, Islam is the state religion but freedom of religion is provided. People belonging to religions other than Islam can follow their faith, privately, without interference from the Government. They can also display religious symbols and have their places of worship. Bahrain observes the Muslim holidays of Islamic New Year, Prophet Muhammed's birth anniversary, Eid al Adha, Eid al Fitr as state holidays. When it comes to Sunnis and Shias, the prime difference is that a Sunni believes in approaching God directly,. Wwhereas the Shia does so through the cleric, while holding all the other beliefs of the Sunni. With political liberalisation under King Hamad , Islamist parties have contested Bahrain's elections and become forces with significance, . Aand often on morality issues. The legal system is based on the main religion in Bahrain - Islam, and common law. The ruling Bahraini family is a Sunni Muslim family. By and large, the Sunni Muslim minority enjoys the more favored status. Sunnis, almost wholly urban, dominate Bahrain economically too. The Shias are the rural force. Sunnis receive preference for employment in critical government and civil services positions. Shia citizens do not hold important posts in the defense and internal security forces, although they make up enlisted ranks. In recent years, the Government has been open on religious grounds and in 2002, the Government allowed a school with Shia curriculum, to educate the coming generation of Shia scholars. It has been noticed that It looks like religion in Bahrain is not an issue.religious divisions in Bahrain have not impeded socio-economic growth, thus promoting the idea that religion in Bahrain is not an issue.
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