Qabbani Snubbed by Officials, Calls for Unity among Sunnis
Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani warned on Thursday against strife and called for unity among Sunnis despite being snubbed by the sect's top political leaders.
Qabbani made the appeal during his Eid al-Fitr sermon at the Mohammed al-Amin mosque in downtown Beirut. No officials attended the prayers.
He urged politicians to unify Muslims and not to be tempted by power.
This year's Eid comes amid attempts by the political leaders of the Sunni sect to force him out despite his insistence to remain in his post until elections next year.
The battle to isolate him was interpreted in the failure to send a memo that tasks a cabinet minister to represent caretaker Premier Najib Miqati at the Eid prayers and to accompany the Mufti to the mosque – a traditional move made each year.
Sources close to Miqati said not sending the memo was a reflection of the deal reached between the former prime ministers to take measures against the Mufti over financial and legal violations.
Last month, the premiers discussed the Dar al-Fatwa crisis at ex-PM Omar Karami's residence in the northern city of Tripoli.
The statement, which was issued after the meeting that was attended in addition to Karami by Miqati, Premier-designate Tammam Salam and former PM Fouad Saniora, said the conferees agreed on “a number of steps that will be implemented consecutively.”
Miqati's sources told An Nahar newspaper that not sending the memo is one of the measures that the PMs agreed on.
The Higher Islamic Council, which elects the mufti and organizes the affairs of Dar al-Fatwa, has been at the center of controversy after 21 of its members, who are close to ex-Premier Saad Hariri's al-Mustaqbal Movement, extended its term until the end of 2013 despite Qabbani's objection.
But the mufti considered the extension illegal and held council elections.
over 10 years
A thief is a thief, and sunnis at least are showing us that no one is above the law.
this guy and his son have stolen wakf money, and it seems he will be voted out after Eid.
over 10 years
by the way I would like to know how come Matar has millions of Dollars!
isn't he supposed to be a priest after all? where did he get so much money from?
over 10 years
One of the few respectful Sunnites in Lebanon.
over 10 years
When men of religion submerge in politics, then politics messes up religion.
Pray for the salvation of Lebanon. May we learn tolerance and experience true liberty and patriotism.
over 10 years
"Qabbani made the appeal during his Eid al-Fitr sermon at the Mohammed al-Amin mosque in downtown Beirut. No officials attended the prayers."
Kinda feeling sad for the lil chap...
"Sources close to Miqati said not sending the memo was a reflection of the deal reached between the former prime ministers to take measures against the Mufti over financial and legal violations."
... somewhat.(though more so because he opposed civil marriage)
I still don't quite get it. If financial and legal violations are something to be booted out over then wouldn't most politicians be given the same treatment? What's up?
over 10 years
insiddeman,
It is also funny how you always claim Harriri stole millions and keep your mouth shut about the milllions Berri and Nasrallah are stealing ..... and do it every day from Government Institutions (Airports and Seaports, etc.) .
Hypocrisy is so evident, yet so ignored. When you find the straw in your enemies eyes, be mindful of the bridge in your own eye.
You gain credibility by pointing out that both sides did steal and hence we become in the same trench: You and I the poor citrizens vs them the corrupt politicians.
Useless man. He should only comment about the 3eids, when ramadan begins/ends just like al Rahi should comment about Christmas/Easter/pentecôte/assomption etc...
We elect politicians for the other matters...