The Higher Islamic Council to hold extraordinary session on Saturday

The Higher Islamic Council is set to hold an extraordinary session on Saturday 25th of May, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. in the Makarim al-Aklaq association in Tripoli.

Should quorum not be reached, another session will be held at 11:00 a.m.

The latest developments are set to be tackled during the session.

It is worth noting that a dispute erupted on Tuesday when security forces prevented Sheikhs affiliated with Mufti Mohammad Nassar from entering into the Higher Islamic Council and implemented tight security measures in its vicinity.

A debate had been emerging since the Mufti of the Republic Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani appointed Sheikh Mohammad Nassar the new Mufti of Sidon, as a successor to Mufti Salim Sousan.

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 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.