An anti-sectarian campaign has been launched by a group of young Bahrainis, who hope to unite the country in the wake of terror threats.

The online initiative, #NoToSectarianism, is being spearheaded by Bahraini photographer Ebrahim Rajab, who has captured images of 30 Bahrainis carrying posters with messages of peace and unity, said a report in the Gulf Daily News (GDN), our sister publication.

It aims to encourage people to use different mediums, including art, to reject all forms of sectarianism, terrorism and extremism.

“I want Sunnis and Shi’ites to come together for this campaign to spread the message of peace and the importance of standing against sectarianism,” the 34-year-old told the GDN.

“The recent mosque bombing in Kuwait and other terrorist acts require that we strengthen our internal front.”

Twenty-seven people were killed and 227 injured in the suicide bombing at a Shi’ite mosque in Kuwait on June 26.

The Islamic State (IS) claimed responsibility for that attack, as well as suicide bombings at Shi’ite mosques in Saudi Arabia on May 22 and May 29 in which 24 innocent people died.

Reports emerged last week that Bahraini cleric Shaikh Turki Albinali, a senior figure in IS, used social media to warn that Bahrain would be targeted.

Bahrain heightened security across the country over the weekend to ensure the safety of worshippers attending the Friday prayers.

A large group of Bahrainis from both sects also took part in a joint prayer at the A’ali Grand Mosque last Friday as a symbol of unity.

Rajab called for more campaigners to mobilise Gulf nationals against groups working to divide Muslims in the region.

However, Rajab admitted the situation in Bahrain was complex because many were already divided following the outbreak of unrest in 2011.

“After the mosque bombing in Kuwait there were reports that terrorist groups were planning to target Bahrain,” he said.

“In Bahrain, we have been divided based on our sects since 2011, and this new threat is the second big wave of Daesh or IS trying to separate us.

“By standing against any division, we are preparing ourselves to deal with any situation.”

He said he started the campaign by taking pictures of five people carrying posters with writing on them including ‘I love You Bahrain’, ‘One Nation’, ‘Sushi and Proud’, and ‘One God One Prophet One Quran One Nation’.

“We posted the photographs under the hashtag #NoToSectarianism and received great feedback,” he added.

“I also got together with different Bahrainis including who we fondly call ‘Sushis’, which is basically people who are half Sunni and half Shi’ite.

“Even expatriates are calling me and want to join the campaign by having their pictures taken holding placards with their messages of peace and unity.”

Rajab plans to take the campaign a step further by publishing photographs of up to 100 people holding placards depicting the situation in the country.

“There are people who feel that talking about peace or unity comes under politics and this is not the case,” he stressed.

“I believe if we unite we can be strong and prevent acts of terrorism in co-operation with security forces.

“I am using the power of photography to reject sectarianism, terrorism and extremism.”

The GDN earlier reported on March 7, 2011 of  the # UniteBH film directed by Bahraini Saleh Nass that was well received by citizens and residents.

The film  that was uploaded on social media featured people of all ages and nationalities, some who were in Bahrain and others who filmed themselves outside the country with a simple message of staying united. - TradeArabia News Service