The Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, stated that "the internal movement is fundamental for achieving the presidential entitlement, while the external movement is a supportive and aiding factor. This means that political forces and parliamentary blocs must bear their historical responsibilities before God, the homeland, and the people. Lebanese people should seize the opportunities presented to them, as chances may not be repeated if we do not handle them well, based on the interest of a nation that is taking its last breaths."
In a message to the Lebanese on the occasion of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday, Deryan indicated that "external initiatives from brotherly and friendly countries to resolve the Lebanese crisis are a sign of good and a way to untie knots and obstacles. The insistence and determination to succeed in any initiative is the aim of the proponents of these initiatives; their good efforts will not be wasted, regardless of the obstacles posed by some politicians who seek to achieve personal gains at the expense of the people and the nation."
Deryan confirmed that "the presidential entitlement will occur, no matter how intense the storms become, to put an end to the suffering of the Lebanese, and to restore an active role to the state and its institutions. There will be no change in the Lebanese system, and the Taif Agreement remains the guarantor of Islamic-Christian partnership and coexistence. There is no room for proposals that tear apart the nation and divide the Lebanese in their homeland, Lebanon, the land of unity and diversity."
He stated: "The prevailing conditions in our country for years do not indicate any moral commitment of any kind from many political and administrative officials. Politicians have not fulfilled their primary responsibility for nearly a year in electing a head of state, nor have they addressed the vacuum in institutions and public facilities, nor have they refrained from obstructing the judicial process in the Beirut port explosion. They evade their major responsibilities regarding the economic and social conditions of citizens."
Deryan emphasized that "the building and continuity of the state, a state of justice and law, a strong and fair state that treats everyone equally and fosters brotherhood among all, require reformers and specialists with competence and insightful leaders who prioritize the people's interest above their own personal interests and the higher interests of the country, placing public interest above personal ambitions."
He continued: "The Lebanese have become weary of politics; politics has disturbed their peace, divided them, impoverished them, and displaced their children. It is time to respond to people’s pain and the daily, social, and living demands of the people. It is time for the people to regain their trust in the state and its constitutional and administrative institutions. It is time to respect the principles and values of democracy, the standards of exercising democratic and parliamentary governance, foremost among them the principle of separation of powers, accountability, and good governance."
He added: "Those you know well have returned to intimidate us and the Lebanese, speaking of terrorism and Daesh, none of which should occur or be said. We have confidence in ourselves, in our communities, in our citizens, and in our homeland. We want our Palestinian brothers to stop killing themselves and our Syrian brothers to cease leaving their homeland, drifting into displacement in Lebanon and beyond."
He concluded, saying: "On the occasion of the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, the messenger of guidance, light, mercy, love, morals, and tolerance, we ask Allah, the Almighty, to illuminate all our hearts with the light of love, peace, tolerance, and tranquility, and to grant us all the ability to work sincerely and devotedly for the peace, safety, stability, and reassurance of our homeland, Lebanon. Wishing every blessed Prophet’s birthday to you, Muslims and Lebanese, may you be well."
