Mufti Al-Ghazzawi Receives Iyad Al-Hazzaa
1 week ago
His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Ali Al-Ghazzawi, Mufti of Zahle and the Bekaa, received Mr. Iyad Al-Hazzaa, Chargé d’Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Lebanon, at Azhari Bekaa. Al-Hazzaa began his visit to the Bekaa region at Dar al-Fatwa, amid a large official and public gathering attended by ministers, members of parliament, Sharia judges, municipal presidents, village mayors, members of the Higher Islamic Sharia Council, representatives of Arab tribes, religious and social figures, and representatives from various parts of the Bekaa.
The visit provided an opportunity to discuss the historical and fraternal relations between Lebanon and Syria, particularly the social and humanitarian ties connecting the people of the Bekaa with their Syrian neighbors, as well as the importance of strengthening communication and cooperation in the common interests of both countries and their peoples.
In his welcoming address, Mufti Al-Ghazzawi welcomed Mr. Al-Hazzaa and his accompanying delegation to the Azhari Bekaa institutions, highlighting the deep ties between Lebanon and Syria.
He stated: “Syria is not merely on Lebanon’s borders; it lies at the heart of our Arab and Islamic world. And while we have a great cause, the Palestinian cause, both Lebanon and Syria stand in its vicinity.”
His Eminence emphasized that the reception brought together the various components of Bekaa society, saying: “We welcome you to the Bekaa, to Azhari Bekaa, in the presence of distinguished statesmen, ministers, dignitaries, religious scholars, and judges. We welcome you among Muslims and Christians, among these honorable people whom God Almighty destined to share your tragedy, just as they shared your joy.”
He further affirmed that Dar al-Fatwa regards victory in Syria as a victory of its own, recalling the position taken by the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic upon the liberation of Damascus.
He said: “Dar al-Fatwa considers victory in Syria a victory for itself. Therefore, from the very first moment, when you entered Damascus as liberators, showing mercy under the banner of compassion and benevolence, the Grand Mufti of the Republic visited the graves of the two martyrs, Sheikh Rafic Hariri and Sheikh Hassan Khaled, to declare that victory there is victory here, and that our solidarity here extends to the Umayyad Mosque and the path of Imam Al-Awza'i.”
For his part, Mr. Iyad Al-Hazzaa, Chargé d’Affaires of the Syrian Embassy in Lebanon, expressed his appreciation for the warm reception, praising the generosity and nobility of the Lebanese people and the assistance and shelter they provided to Syrians during their ordeal. He commended the honorable Lebanese who extended a helping hand to their Syrian brothers and sisters.
He stated: “The title and motto of our visit to you is a visit of gratitude and loyalty to you, the people of loyalty. We remain grateful and loyal to you, yet we cannot repay your immense and noble kindness. We can only entrust your reward to Almighty God, may He grant you the greatest blessings, abundant gratitude, and Paradise.”
Al-Hazzaa emphasized the importance of correcting the course of relations between Syria and Lebanon and strengthening bilateral ties in a manner that consolidates cooperation and integration between the two countries, moving from geographical proximity toward genuine partnership.
He concluded by expressing confidence that Syrian-Lebanese relations would, God willing, reach better levels, stating: “I bring you the good news, God willing, that relations between Syria and Lebanon will rise to a better level. We will develop them and restore them to their natural course and proper path, based on mutual engagement and shared interests, moving from the geography of proximity to the geography of partnership.”
The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of warmth and mutual appreciation, reflecting the deep ties between the Lebanese and Syrian peoples and the importance of continued communication, dialogue, and stronger fraternal relations in promoting stability and serving shared causes.