The slogan: "Building Syria starts here" .. with Al-Rifai at the helm of issuing fatwas.

In a significant event marking the new phase of rebuilding Syria, Sheikh Osama bin Abdul Karim Al-Rifai has been appointed as the Grand Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic, in a major step reflecting the importance of the religious role in the upcoming phase. This appointment comes within the framework of forming the Supreme Council of Fatwa, aiming to organize the jurisprudential work and ensure the validity of the fatwas issued by Syrian scholars. President Ahmed Al-Shar'a began his speech at the council formation conference by emphasizing the historical role that Damascus has always played in scientific, civilizational, and religious leadership, which has always been a platform for goodness for the entire nation. He stated, "Even when Syria fell into the hands of corrupt gangs, evil emerged, and calamity spread, working to destroy the flourishing Syria." Today, everyone comes together to rebuild Syria anew, utilizing its talents and scholars, emphasizing the importance of fatwa in building the modern Syrian state. President Al-Shar'a also highlighted the need to transform fatwa into a collective responsibility, issued through the Supreme Council of Fatwa, comprising a select group of scholars and experts, after putting forth maximum effort in research and investigation. He stressed that fatwa represents a great trust, confirming that the council will focus on regulating moderate religious discourse that reflects the balance between authenticity and modernity, ensuring the preservation of the Syrian identity, and contributing to addressing disputes that may lead to division, emphasizing the importance of unity in this critical phase. President Al-Shar'a concluded by praying to Allah to assist them in this holy month in rebuilding Syria, to become a just, strong, merciful, trustworthy, dignified, and honorable state for its people. The announcement ceremony of the formation of the Supreme Council of Fatwa included the appointment of a distinguished group of prominent scholars, including: - Sheikh Alaa Al-Din Al-Qaseer - Dr. Khairallah Taleb - Dr. Anas Ayrout - Sheikh Anas Al-Mousa - Dr. Ibrahim Shasho - Sheikh Naeem Arqousousi - Sheikh Mohammad Khairallah Al-Shukri - Sheikh Mohammad Rateb Al-Nabulsi - Sheikh Abdel Fattah Al-Bazm - Dr. Wahbi Suleiman - Dr. Mazhar Al-Wais - Sheikh Abdel Rahim Atoun - Sheikh Sahl Jneid - Dr. Ibrahim Al-Hassoun. This appointment opens new horizons for jurisprudential work and reflects the Syrian leadership's determination to regain initiative in religious affairs and fatwa, away from any external influences that may seek to distort religious truths.