Qabbani Urges during Ramadan Message for Solutions that Strengthen Lebanon

Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Qabbani criticized on Monday the “selfish and discriminatory” mentality of the Lebanese people and officials that has led to the current divisions in the country.

He therefore called for “solutions that would strengthen Lebanon,” while urging officials to assume their responsibilities towards the country.

He made his remarks during an address to the people ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which begins on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Qabbani added: “The discrimination between us has turned us into pawns of foreign powers.”

The people's allegiances to parties and their own sects has weakened Lebanon, “rendering us pawns for foreign agendas,” lamented the mufti.

“These agendas will only bring about destruction and tragedies,” he stated.

Moreover, he declared that the security unrest in Lebanon should prompt the people to unite in order to prevent strife.

“Political powers would be able to avert strife should they take wise measures,” he stressed.

“We have a religious and national duty to avert strife … and we call on officials to adopt moderate political rhetoric that would calm the Lebanese and restore trust among them,” Qabbani said.