Lebanon's Grand Mufti on the Occasion of the Prophet's Birthday: Targeting the Council of Ministers is Targeting the Nation and All Its Sects; Dar al-Ifta Rejects It

The General Directorate of Islamic Endowments in Lebanon commemorated the celebration of the Prophet’s birthday, with the presence of Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Grand Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Abdul Latif Darian, and former prime ministers Najib Mikati, Fouad Siniora, Tammam Salam, Hassan Diab, and Interior Minister Brigadier General Ahmad Hajjar.

In a speech, Salam said: “On the occasion of the Prophet’s birthday, we revive in our minds the justice, mercy, and tolerance of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) life, rejecting division and tribalism, and prioritizing peace and uniting people for good.”

He added: “On this blessed occasion, I extend my sincerest congratulations to all Lebanese, and to Muslims in particular, hoping that the coming days will bring security and stability to our country, that our people return to their lands and homes, and that we all gather under the roof of a single, strong, and just state that safeguards the dignity of its citizens and protects them. May Lebanon and its people be well, year after year.”

For his part, Darian said: “Our nation and our homelands are facing challenges in this era that have not been encountered since ancient times. We face genocide in Gaza and an ongoing war in Lebanon, where martyrs fall every day. However, we also have a new covenant, whose president, government, and prime minister are determined to bring about change and emerge from the stagnation that has gripped the country and its people for years. We stand with this president, this covenant, and this government and its prime minister in their efforts to stop the Zionist aggression, liberate the land, and establish the state’s authority over all Lebanese territories. We support the president, the government, and its prime minister in their efforts to overcome the economic and living crisis. We support the new approach in relations with sister Syria. We support the relations that are strengthening daily with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a kingdom that has consistently served the Two Holy Mosques and strives to ensure that the rest of the Arab and Muslim lands occupy positions of honor and security. This is the meaning of the new defensive alliance with Turkey and Pakistan.”

He continued: “While we face the challenges of war and occupation, we see that major problems that have persisted for years are finding solutions, such as the general amnesty law, which we hoped would be stronger, broader, and more comprehensive; yet it is a solution that previous covenants and governments did not dare to implement. We hope that justice will be served in the Port explosion case, which would restore some calm to the hearts and minds of the victims. The newness heralded by this covenant, and pursued by this government and its prime minister, deserves trust and credibility also in the context of the massive Port incident.”

He added: “We must possess the courage of hope and the courage of peace. Those among you with experience know that peace is often more difficult than war. Many today believe that impulsive actions and reactions are the primary consideration. However, the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) was the stronger party at Hudaybiyyah, yet he inclined toward reconciliation and truce, despite the opposition of his companions who harbored resentment (may God be pleased with them all). That truce yielded results that forged a new era, which the Quran calls a ‘clear victory.’ The decision to halt aggression and massive destruction through a truce is a courageous one, whereas the decision for war may not currently be appropriate for free and dignified life and a promising future.”

He said: “Amidst great suffering, the Lebanese leadership’s effort to stop Israeli aggression and massive destruction is a brave and wise endeavor, after our internal and external wars have destroyed what cannot be recovered or forgotten. It is the path forward after all calculations, with no other exit. It requires patience, endurance, and looking with the eyes of tomorrow—the eyes of our children and elders—who have known only one path: that of violence and destruction. It is time for them to hope for a better future.”

He stated: “Dar al-Fatwa considers any targeting of the Prime Ministership as an attack on the nation in all its sects, and also rejects any targeting of either the First or Second Presidency. It considers cooperation and coordination among the three presidencies as a guarantee of Lebanon’s unity and the unity of its children, to emerge from its successive crises. This is something we always strive for. Dar al-Fatwa will remain committed to its religious mission and will continue on its moderate, Islamic, and national path, regardless of how intense the biased attacks against it become. On the occasion of the Prophet’s birthday, the birthday of joy and renewal, I wish to address today the polarizations surrounding Dar al-Fatwa that it does not deserve. Dar al-Fatwa, and the Prime Ministership, due to wars and fitnas, have provided martyrs who worked for peace and security. This institution is a fortress of patriotism, always based on peace and recovery, hatred of division among citizens, and respect for all those with good intentions and deeds. The Supreme Islamic Council, the pillar of Dar al-Fatwa since Legislative Decree No. 18 in 1956, is master of itself and possesses clear legislative powers. With a little thought, reflection, and looking with the eyes of reason, the future, and review, the venerable institution can preserve its respect and be kept away from divisions and challenges. Religion is a source of soft power. We all know how much it has suffered and continues to suffer when drawn into the vortex of divisions to justify violence, division, and challenges of conflict with states and societies. Let us preserve the independence and integrity of Dar al-Fatwa so that it remains a guardian of Muslim unity and a worker for the good of the country and its citizens.”

He concluded: “When Lady Aisha, Mother of the Believers (may God be pleased with her), was asked about the character of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), she said: ‘His character was the Quran.’ The Quran says: ‘And obey Allah and His Messenger, and do not dispute and [thus] lose courage and [then] your strength would depart; and be patient. Indeed, Allah is with the patient.’ None of us wants or accepts this atmosphere of national division, on serious issues concerning the dignity of the state and its authorities in peace and war, and concerning the existence and future of Lebanon. In this beloved homeland, dear to the hearts of Lebanese, we have no authority other than this elected one. Let it remain the umbrella that protects us from storms and breaches.”