Daryan Condemns Killing in the Name of Religion, Says Only Lebanese to Salvage Country

Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Latif Daryan deplored on Friday the killings in the name of religion, stressing that the Lebanese are the only ones capable of salvaging their country.

“The crises in our nation are expanding due to the conflict in the neighboring countries, the delay in electing a new head of state and the deterioration of the political, economic and social conditions,” Daryan said on the occasion of the birth of Prophet Mohammed.

He warned that Lebanon and its political system are at risk, pointing out that only “coexistence, dialogue and consensus, no matter how sharp the differences are, we are the only ones capable of reaching a breakthrough.”

Daryan noted that “martyrdom is associated with responsibilities towards ourselves and others.”

“We are obliged with having awareness, solidarity and brotherly ties. We should assume our duties toward our society and nations,” the Grand Mufti added.

Daryan lamented the nation “which is suffering from enormous wounds.”

“Solidarity is now replaced with murder and unity with division,” he said.

Daryan wondered “how we will face our prophet when more than 15 million people in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Yemen and Somalia are suffering from exodus... What will we say about the half million murdered Arab and more than one million others injured in less than five years?”

He described the killing in the name of religion as a “disease.”

“Our prophet calls for mercy and coexistence...”

Daryan considered that the “slayers are well known,” warning that “everyone would lose in any civil war.”

He called on the rival sides to abide by the principles of justice and religion to end strife and sedition.

Daryan expressed solidarity with the families of abducted servicemen, who were taken hostage by the al-Qaida-linked al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State group in August.

H.K.

G.K.