SIDON, Lebanon: Christian and Muslim religious figures Tuesday rejected what they said was the sectarian label on regional conflicts, calling on Lebanese to unite in the face of terror threats, during Ashoura commemorations in south Lebanon.
The Jaafarite Council, a Shiite religious body, in Sidon held a commemoration of Ashoura and brought together various religious, political and security figures including a representative of newly elected Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel-Latif Derian, Sidon Maronite Bishop Elias Nasr, MP Ali Osseiran, a representative for MP Bahia Hariri, and the head of the Army Intelligence office in Sidon, Col. Mamdouh Saab.
“What is happening in Lebanon and the region today is by no means a religious or sectarian conflict. It is not a conflict between Sunnis and Shiites but a political one over interests, and the Sunnis and Shiites are the fuel for this war,” Sheikh Bilal al-Malla, representing Derian, said in his speech.
Malla urged the Lebanese to help the new mufti with his mission, which he described as difficult and critical, saying: “Let us help him overcome the danger facing Lebanon ... and prevent the fire surrounding us from reaching the country.”
Derian is the head of Dar al-Fatwa, the highest Sunni authority in Lebanon.
Nasr, the Maronite bishop, said it was unfortunate that religious symbols were being used as tools to commit and justify crimes against humanity, describing the current confict as merely a "political economic war."
He said Lebanon had had its share of the terrorist phenomenon sweeping the Arab world, with militants attempting to import the sectarian strife into the country, referring to the August clashes between the Army and gunmen from ISIS and Nusra Front who sought to overrun the northeastern town of Arsal.
“What is needed today is for everyone, regardless of their religion, sect and affiliation, to come together and help each other defend Lebanon from the terror threat and protect the country and its diverse community.”
Shiite Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Osseiran blasted extremism, saying Islam had nothing to do with such behaviors and calling for dialogue among religions.
Shiite-dominated areas held rallies in south Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley and the capital, commemorating the death of the Prophet Mohammad's grandson, Imam Hussein, in a battle outside Karbala.
In Beirut’s southern suburbs, which were sealed off due to security concerns, tens of thousands of people flocked to the streets in rallies organized by Hezbollah and Amal Movement.
Amid unprecedented tight security measures, people dressed in black and carrying religious signs and symbols turned out despite fears of terrorist attacks by Islamist groups.
The capital’s suburbs and other Shiite neighborhoods in the Bekaa Valley were the target of a number of suicide car bombings and rocket attacks earlier this year claimed by Islamist militants fighting in Syria.
Nusra Front and ISIS, who said the bombings were in retaliation to Hezbollah’s role in the Syrian conflict, claimed some of the attacks.
“I am here today in the rally to tell these takfiris that we do not fear them,” Ali Qoteish, carrying his son on his shoulders, told The Daily Star as he walked in a rally in the southern town of Tyre, which also witnessed large demonstrations in its streets.
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