Whereas or Where the changes in the Constitution have emanated from the faith of the people of Bahrain with hoary past, that in Islam lies the welfare of the world and hereafter, it admits neither stagnation nor bigotry, Verily it maintains with total candor that the wisdom of the faithful lies in pursuing the goal wherever it is to be found, and that the Holy Qur’an does not extol immoderation in anything.
In order to realize it, it was necessary to extend the limits of our vision to encompass the human heritage east and west, so that we could adopt from this treasure what benefited us, was good for us, was in harmony with our religion, our practices and our circumstances. We were convinced that the social and human systems were not static instrument, which could be transferred from one place to another without change, but that they were addressed to human intelligence, spirit and insight, subject to interaction and social circumstances.
Thus came about these constitutional changes representing an advanced cultural concept for our precious country. It installed our political system as a constitutional monarchy based on consultation, which is the highest ideal for rule in Islam. People’s participation in the exercise of authority in the basis of modem political thought whereby, the responsible authority in his discerning judgment, selects a few experienced persons from among the citizens to constitute a council for consultation; even as the free, faithful and awakened people will eject a council of deputies. The two Councils will together achieve the people’s aspirations represented in the National Council.
There is no doubt that these constitutional changes reflect the common intents of the King and his people and will realize for everyone the lofty values and great human principles incorporated they deserve for their capacities and projections, in line rightful place in the comity of civilized nations.
This Constitution, which we have issued, incorporates the changes envisaged in the Charter thus complementing the unaltered provisions thereof. We have enclosed with it an explanatory Memorandum to act as a source of reference for the interpretation of its rules.