Supreme Islamic Sharia Council: We Warn Against 'Explosive Messages' and Express Solidarity with Saudi Arabia

The Supreme Islamic Sharia Council held a session presided over by the Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, at the Dar al-Fatwa in accordance with established procedures. The council deliberated on Islamic and national affairs and issued a statement read out by council member Sheikh Faiz Saif, the text of which follows:

The Supreme Islamic Sharia Council affirms that the delicate phase Lebanon is going through requires everyone to rise to the level of national responsibility, avoid partisan bickering and divisions, and prioritize public interest over private interests. It emphasizes that unity of word, respect for institutions, establishment of justice, preservation of human dignity, and recourse to the state and law are indispensable foundations for building a safe and stable nation where citizens are equal in rights and duties, and where values of justice, freedom, and dignity prevail. The Council also reaffirms its adherence to the national constants upon which the formula of shared living was built, foremost among them the Taif Agreement, the Lebanese Constitution, the unity of the state and its institutions, the extension of its authority over all its territory, and the exclusive possession of weapons by legitimate military and security institutions, in order to restore the state's prestige and safeguard national sovereignty.

The Council calls on all political factions to cooperate with state institutions, especially as some attempt to bypass them through various means, including passing explosive messages that were intercepted by the Lebanese security forces, who are commended for their efforts. National responsibility dictates standing alongside the government and its head, Dr. Nawaf Salam, who is keen on the country's security, stability, and the future of its children, and holding accountable anyone who disrupts security, regardless of any political, party, or sectarian considerations.

The Sharia Council demands that the UN Security Council put an end to the ongoing Israeli aggression on southern Lebanon, which violates its territory, destroys homes, and kills civilians, while appreciating the efforts undertaken by the presidency and the government to save Lebanon.
Furthermore, the Supreme Islamic Sharia Council renews its firm and principled stance demanding a comprehensive and fair general amnesty to radically address this humanitarian, judicial, and national file, noting that the continued suffering of detainees and their families does not serve civil peace nor enhance trust in state institutions.

The Supreme Islamic Sharia Council confirms its steadfast solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council states, emphasizing that the security and stability of these countries are an integral part of Arab national security. Any infringement on their sovereignty or threat to the safety of their territories and peoples is rejected and condemned. Targeting Mecca and Medina is a criminal aggression against all Muslims worldwide.
The Council also affirms that the targeting of a church in Karak Governorate in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has no connection to religion; it is purely a terrorist act and an attempt to destabilize security and stability in Jordan.

The Sharia Council calls on the international community to assume its responsibilities in stopping attacks, violations, and massacres against the steadfast and patient Palestinian people on their land, and to protect holy sites. The Council renews its solidarity with the Palestinian people and their legitimate national rights, foremost among them their right to establish an independent state with Al-Quds Al-Sharif (Jerusalem) as its capital.