Hawzah News Agency- In a message marking the start of Ramadan, Sheikh Al-Khatib extended greetings to all Lebanese citizens and Muslims worldwide, emphasizing that the month represents mercy, blessing, and a vital opportunity for renewal, self-discipline, and unity. He stressed the need for Muslims to hold firmly to divine guidance and to strengthen their collective resolve at a time when the Arab and Islamic world faces unprecedented challenges.
Call for National and Strategic Unity
Al-Khatib distinguished between national unity within individual countries and the broader strategic unity of the Muslim world. He warned that divisions along sectarian, ethnic, or political lines undermine the ability of the Ummah to defend its interests and fulfill its religious and moral obligations. “Unity is a divine command, not a human choice based on personal or factional interests,” he said, noting that the strength of both nations and governments is measured by their adherence to higher principles during critical moments.
He reflected on the historical fragmentation of the Islamic world, observing that while structures like the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation were initially designed to safeguard collective interests, foreign interference and internal divisions allowed external powers to exploit differences, weakening the Ummah strategically and politically.
Warning Against Ongoing Threats
Sheikh Al-Khatib highlighted that despite previous setbacks, awareness among a generation of committed and informed Muslims has prevented total disintegration. He warned that foreign powers continue to foment conflicts across the region, citing examples in Sudan, Libya, Syria, Qatar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Gaza, Lebanon, and threats to Iran, aiming to divide nations along sectarian and ethnic lines.
“Countries now recognize the shared nature of these threats,” he said, “but isolated positions are insufficient to fully confront the danger. Only coordinated action can ensure the protection of our peoples and our faith.”
Proposal for an Arab-Islamic Coalition
He called for the establishment of a strong Arab-Islamic alliance capable of safeguarding the region from external pressures and internal strife. “We hope that the blessings of this sacred month guide the Ummah toward a clear understanding of our collective responsibilities in this critical stage of history,” Al-Khatib said.
He emphasized the role of national unity, continued resistance, and social solidarity as essential elements for protecting Lebanon and the wider Arab world against looming challenges.
Spiritual Encouragement and Tribute to the Resistance
Sheikh Al-Khatib also prayed for mercy, relief for the oppressed, and divine blessings for the martyrs, highlighting their sacrifice as a source of dignity, resilience, and honor for the Ummah. “The promise of God is ease after hardship, victory after patience, and triumph after endurance. You, the people of faith, courage, and patriotism, are strong, while the enemy, despite its claims, is weak and fearful,” he said.
He concluded by recalling the historical significance of the Battle of Badr, drawing a parallel to the current moment: “Ramadan is the month of great victories. Today, you are the Badr of our time—builders of triumph, glory, and history.”
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