The Lebanese Mufti, Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, visited the grave of the martyr President Rafik Hariri in downtown Beirut, leading a large delegation of scholars, on the occasion of the anniversary of his martyrdom. After reading Al-Fatiha and dedicating its reward to the soul of the martyr President and his righteous companions, the Mufti said: "In these extremely difficult circumstances we live in today, we remember the martyr President Rafik Hariri, a statesman who had a profound concern for humanity, reconstruction, and infrastructure. We recall his loyalty to national principles, and we remember his honesty in political dialogues at a time when lying to people has become not just a social and moral vice, but a cornerstone of the state’s politics, which is today on the brink of collapse, if it has not already collapsed."
He continued: "Rafik Hariri emerged from the rubble of a shattered country and carried on his shoulders the task of rebuilding and restoration, until he was brought down by the treacherous bombing, thus he ascended as a martyr alive with his Lord, as stated in the Holy Quran: 'And do not think of those who have been killed in the way of Allah as dead; they are alive with their Lord and provided for...'. Today, Lebanon is once again slipping into decay, as if those responsible for its affairs have not learned from the past experiences for which the Lebanese have paid dearly with their lives and properties. In memory of the great martyr Rafik Hariri and the righteous companions who followed him on the path of martyrdom, we ask in pain and bitterness: how long will the procession of martyrs continue, while Lebanon itself has almost become a martyr? A people that does not relinquish its will does not perish. A homeland that clings to its mission - the mission of citizenship and coexistence - does not vanish, in a country characterized by diversity and cultural multiplicity. The martyr Rafik Hariri, may God have mercy on him, was a symbol of sincere national will, carrying the torch of Lebanon's humanitarian message. His martyrdom marked a new birth for this will and a renewed revival of that message."
He added: "Lebanon, today drowning in a pit of moral corruption, political failure, and financial and economic collapse, recalls with appreciation and respect the rescue initiatives carried out by the martyr President Rafik Hariri, who revived Lebanon and Beirut in particular from under the rubble. To enable Lebanon to resist despair and not surrender to the status quo, it needs to renew adherence to the principles of the martyr, characterized by noble ethics, constructive initiatives, and clear visions."
He said: "Honoring the martyr involves praying for him, seeking mercy upon him, and also preserving his ethical, developmental, and national legacy. It requires continuing public work in light of the constructive reconciliatory approach he adopted throughout his governance and beyond, until his last breath. On the anniversary of his martyrdom, we affirm our commitment to follow his path, adhering to one Lebanon and defending its security, safety, and dignity."
Deryan concluded: "A life without meaning and purpose is an early death. The meaning of our lives is to be in a homeland that benefits people and unites them, preserves their dignity and upholds their rights. The message of our lives is to convey a culture of national coexistence and respect for human dignity and citizens' rights."
