Islamic summit calls for distancing Lebanon from region’s events

Sunni, Shia, Alawite and Druze religious leaders met on Saturday at Darel-Fatwa (High Islamic Court) to discuss action to reinforce army peace-keeping role and safeguard civil peace in the country.        

Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani, Vice President of the Higher Islamic Shiite Council Sheikh Abdul Amir Qabalan, Druze Sheikh al-Aql Naim Hasan and President of the Islamic Alawite Council Assad Assi seized the occasion of the advent of the fasting month of Ramadan to speak out over tasks incumbent upon Muslim religious leaders at the present political juncture. In their final statement, they invoked what they termed as "emancipation of free human will by fasting for the sake of the Almighty One."           

Clerics expressed apprehension at the present prevailing tension albeit remained confident that political leaders were working to alienate Lebanon from regional spillovers. They reiterated inter-Islamic unity in the face of challenges and strife and urged the state to accord utmost priority to souring living conditions.