Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian said at a commemoration of the Prophet's birthday that the ceasefire decision is courageous, and praised the government's efforts on economic and political change.
The General Directorate of Islamic Endowments in Lebanon held a celebration marking the anniversary of the Prophet's birthday at Mohammad al-Amin Mosque in central Beirut, attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, former heads of government, scholars and journalists.
Derian said the nation and homeland face major challenges, including the genocide war in Gaza and the ongoing war in Lebanon where martyrs fall daily. He added that a new era lies ahead, designed by its president and government for change and an end to the stagnation that has governed the country.
Derian expressed support for this president, era and government in their efforts to stop the Zionist aggression and liberate the land and impose state authority over all Lebanese territory. He also supported their efforts to exit the economic and living crisis and relations with Syria, Saudi Arabia and the new defensive alliance with Turkey and Pakistan.
Derian said the general amnesty law achieved what previous governments did not dare to attempt, noting that the desire was for a stronger, broader and more comprehensive law. He added that society aspires to justice in the matter of the port explosion blast, which would restore peace to the hearts of the injured.
Derian described the ceasefire decision to stop the aggression and massive destruction as a courageous decision, noting that the decision for war may not currently suit free and dignified life and a promising future. He said peace is often harder than war.
Derian cited the Prophet, who was the stronger party at Hudaybiyyah but chose reconciliation despite the opposition of some companions, noting that the ceasefire led to results that created a new era which the Quran called a conquest.
Derian said history glorifies peacemakers such as Caliph Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, who stopped internal fighting and withdrew the army that was besieging Constantinople. He stressed that the Lebanese government's efforts to stop Israeli aggression and massive destruction are courageous and wise.
Derian added that the path to solution requires patience, endurance and looking with the eyes of tomorrow, the eyes of children and elders who have known only violence and destruction. He said the time has come for them to hope for a better future.
Derian said Dar al-Fatwa considers any targeting of the office of the prime minister as targeting the nation in all its communities, and rejects targeting the first and second presidencies. He affirmed that cooperation and coordination between the three presidencies guarantee Lebanese unity and the unity of its people to exit its crises.
Derian pointed out that Dar al-Fatwa and the office of the prime minister have given martyrs who worked for peace and security. He said the institution is a fortress of patriotism based on peace and recovery and opposition to division among citizens.
Derian said the Supreme Islamic Sharia Council has been the pillar of Dar al-Fatwa since legislative decree 18 of 1956, and it holds clear legislative powers. He affirmed that religion is a conduit of soft power that suffers when it enters into cycles of division.
Derian called for preserving the independence and integrity of Dar al-Fatwa so it remains a guardian of Muslim unity and works for the good of the nation and its people.
