The Islamic Sharia Council held its regular session, chaired by the Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, where it discussed several Islamic and national issues. A statement was read by council member Captain Mohammad Murad, which included the following points:
Firstly: The Sharia Council warned against the dangers of the ongoing vacancy in the presidency, emphasizing the president's essential and central role in protecting the constitution and maintaining national unity. The council called for expediting the electoral process and overcoming the formalities that have delayed this significant constitutional national requirement, warning that postponing the election of a president could lead to detrimental consequences for the nation and citizens, resulting in the fragmentation of the state and its institutions.
Secondly: The council renewed its warnings about the dangers of the worsening living and social conditions that citizens are facing and urged officials to work diligently to break free from the cycle of futile disagreements that hinder Lebanon's transition from its current state to one of prosperity, reassurance, and stability.
Thirdly: The council rejected the proposed law from some individuals to abolish "Article 534" of the Penal Code, describing it as an unnatural situation. It stressed the necessity of imposing stricter penalties for this crime and adhering to the values and principles of faith, ethics, and public morals, while protecting the family and society from these destructive ideas that contradict Islamic law and all divine laws.
Fourthly: The council expressed concern over the illegal immigration flowing into Lebanon through unlawful channels. It called for essential and deterrent measures to address this phenomenon due to its risks to social and political security in Lebanon. Additionally, the council called for "stopping the fighting among the Palestinian people in the Ain al-Hilweh camp," asserting that "this fighting harms the Palestinian cause and serves the occupying Zionist enemy of Palestinian land."
At the beginning of the session, unrelated to the agenda, the council unanimously insisted on addressing the amendment of Article 6 of Decree 18 of 1955 regarding the amendment of the term of the Grand Mufti of Lebanon, as well as the amendment of Article 4 of Decision 50 of 1996 regarding the term of the regional muftis. After following the necessary internal legal procedures, the council decided unanimously to amend the term of the Grand Mufti until he reaches the age of seventy-six and to amend the term of the regional muftis until they reach the age of seventy-two.
Congratulations were conveyed to Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan via a phone call from Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, who congratulated him on the renewal of his mandate and wished him "continuous success for the benefit of all Muslims and Lebanese." The Mufti also received a similar call from Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
Sheikh Sami Abi Al-Muna, the spiritual leader of the Druze community, also contacted the Grand Mufti to congratulate him and the honorable Sunni community and the nation on his extension, expressing a strong desire from the Islamic Sharia Council. He hoped that "this blessed step would help fortify both the Islamic and national arenas and enhance opportunities for meeting and cooperation among spiritual authorities for the benefit of Lebanon and its people."
