REPORT: Mufti Sousan carries out duties following dispute in Dar al-Fatwa

Following the confrontations that erupted on Tuesday regarding the authority of the Dar el-Fatwa in Sidon, Mufti Salim Sousan arrived on Wednesday at the Dar and carried out his duties in the absence of Sheikh Mohammad Nassar.                   

Sheikh Sousan justified his presence at the Dar by saying that he is carrying out his duties as per the laws and jurisprudence of the council, adding that positions at Dar el-Fatwa are not "jobs" but are an extension of support to Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.               

Sousan received various security and religious delegations including representatives from the Sheikh of the Bilal bin Rabah Mosque, Ahmad Assir.           

As for Sheikh Mohammad Nassar, he did not head to Dar el-Fatwa.                              

A dispute erupted on Tuesday between the supporters of Mufti Salim Sousan and others of Sheikh Mohammad Nassar on the backdrop of handing over the authority of Dar el-Fatwa.        

Last year, the Shura Council suspended a call for the elections of the Higher Islamic Council after its members, who are close to former Prime Minister Saad Hariri, raised an appeal against Mufti of the Republic Mohammad Rashid Qabbani's call to hold the elections.             

Disputes between them arose when the members extended the mandate of the council until the end of 2013 despite the objection of Mufti Qabbani, who argues that the extension is illegal and the council’s term has expired.        

Subsequently, the Mufti made his allocations amid the discontent of the members of the council.


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