The distinguished Shiite cleric, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan, highlighted in his Friday message that the region is vertically divided with Middle Eastern countries grappling with the burdens of the U.S.'s presence, notably around the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel thrives on regional terrorism and expansionist ambitions. Qabalan emphasized that Lebanon's primary interest lies in national unity and safeguarding the principles of national resilience and ethical creed. He urged the Lebanese authorities, asserting, "We are one nation with a shared history, people, and destiny. Protecting this unity depends on our national choices that uphold Lebanon's political framework, which is historically rooted in Islam and Christianity."
The Mufti stressed, "What is needed is to protect Lebanon, not to compromise its existence, resilience, national partnership, and civil peace." He added that Lebanon is a historic family with spiritual and national bonds, the army, resistance, and state form sovereign entities that cannot be relinquished. Qabalan applauded the resistance’s significant sovereign role along the southern borders and stated that Lebanon needs both the resistance and the army to build a unique national force. He cautioned against any options that might place Lebanon in the middle of a national divide.
Directing his remarks to President Joseph Aoun, Qabalan stated, "The issue is how we can coexist peacefully in a torn region and amidst a Zionist entity that thrives on security and political treachery with no respect for any covenants. Israel, founded on terror and massacres, cannot be trusted with a non-existent peace. The historical and present threat posed by Israel is clear and grave. We must shield Lebanon from the most dangerous plans of division, fragmentation, and civil wars. There is nothing more crucial than consensual partnership and sovereign interests. If the ground shakes beneath your feet, seek refuge in your people, not your adversaries."
Qabalan noted that "from Tarik Jdideh to the mountain, Beirut, Sidon, and the north, the Lebanese people showcase the most significant models of solidarity and national unity in this ordeal." He cautioned that Lebanon can only fall from within if its national unity is eroded. The protection of sovereign security is Lebanon's most crucial 'strategic asset,' threatened by Israel and Washington's policies. Given the critical moment, the unity between authorities, the people, the resistance, and all political entities of this cherished nation must be safeguarded. "We do not want Lebanon to be consumed by vertical disputes," he added.
Mufti Qabalan called on political forces to raise their voices to secure a cooperative national environment to protect the country from any internal catastrophe." He affirmed that "nothing is more vital for the Arabs than returning to Arab-Islamic interests, away from the American tribute system and its dominance, nor is there a more critical historic moment for the Arabs than the defeat America and Israel are facing in the Middle East."
He remarked that "Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia can establish a historic milestone for the region. Lebanon needs Arab-Islamic partnership, not Arab-Islamic conflict, as regional security is indivisible; a fire in one Middle Eastern country can engulf the entire region. The presence of U.S. bases prevents the establishment of any regional system, and we must break free from this."
He added, "If regional countries are divided, they will be consumed by axes. Lebanon needs Saudi Arabia as much as Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan, within a new regional partnership framework. The prophets' advice is that liberation from injustice and tyranny does not require miracles but a free will to reject submission to any tyranny."
The Mufti concluded, "Finally, in the coming days, starting Tuesday, we observe the Ashura season. We want this season to be one that reinforces the values for which Hussein sacrificed his life and his companions’ lives - to promote reform and pave the way for a movement that addresses the deviations, corruption, injustice, and occupation we suffer from."