Qabbani Downplays Resignation of HIC Members, Slams Saniora

Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani downplayed on Wednesday the resignation of several members at the Higher Islamic Council he leads, lashing out at former Prime Minister Fouad Saniora.

“Until this moment these resignations are only media material, we haven't received yet anything written,” Qabbani said in comments published in An Nahar newspaper.

He vowed to confront false claims “even if he remained alone.”

On Tuesday, six members of the HIC led by Qabbani resigned in an attempt to end a three-year war that sought the division of the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon.

Fifteen members had so far submitted their resignations thus suspending the works of the HIC headed by Qabbani.

Six members of the resigned body said on Tuesday in a statement: “Nine members had already resigned from the newly formed 32-member formed council by Qabbani... And our resignation prompts the council to dissolve.”

Qabbani held Mustaqbal official and former premier Saniora responsible for the rift that hit Dar al-Fatwa.

“Saniora obstructed the election of a new HIC at the end of 2009... Demanding the extension of its term year after year... When the Mufti rejected his endeavors the gap increased,” the Mufti told An Nahar.

The dispute between the council led by Qabbani and that of his deputy Sheikh Omar Misqawi is the result of political interference.

The Higher Islamic Council -- which elects the Mufti and organizes Dar al-Fatwa's affairs – became the center of controversy in 2012 after 21 of its members, who are close to al-Mustaqbal movement, extended its term until 2015 despite Qabbani's objection.

The Mufti later held elections for the Council, which were deemed illegal by ex-PMs Saniora and Najib Miqati, and the group led by Misqawi, who argued that the polls violated Shura Council decisions and did not enjoy a legal quorum.

Qabbani expressed belief that the second reason for the ongoing division is attempts by Saniora to cancel several powers granted to the Mufti.

“When I rejected his move he was infuriated,” he pointed out.

“I chose the battle and I will go on until the end.”

According to Qabbani slain Mufti Sheikh Hassan Khaled in the past also rejected the cancellation of the powers of the Mufti.

H.K.

M.T.