Lebanese leaders call for religious moderation

Shi'ite cleric at opening of state's biggest mosque: Our only affliction is Israel, Muslim sects must unite.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
lebanon 224.88 (photo credit: AP)
lebanon 224.88
(photo credit: AP)
Calls for unity and religious moderation from Muslim and Christian leaders Saturday marked the opening of Lebanon's biggest mosque in the heart of the capital. The inauguration of the Muhammad al-Amin Mosque also served to boost the Sunni community's place as a major player in the country's politics. It also came as Sunni-Shi'ite tensions continued to simmer in this tiny country of 18 recognized religious sects after sectarian clashes earlier in the year. In May, Shi'ite Hizbullah militiamen overran neighborhoods controlled by Sunni supporters of politician Saad Hariri and then in last few months Sunni extremists have targeted Lebanese troops with two car bombings. "We will do everything possible to close ranks," said Hariri, son of the slain former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and the Sunni leader of the majority parliamentary bloc, addressing the scores of invited guests Saturday. "We want this day to represent the force of moderation in Lebanon and a message of moderation from Lebanon to the world." The late Hariri led the six-year effort to build the landmark mosque. He is buried next to the mosque, a few blocks from the massive truck bombings that killed him in 2005. The mosque, built Ottoman style with a sky blue central dome and towering minarets on its four corners, dominates downtown Beirut's skyline. Named after Islam's prophet Muhammad, the mosque gained added prominence because of the adjacent Hariri grave, which is frequently visited by supporters and international dignitaries. Speakers at Saturday's opening ceremony stressed the message of tolerance and moderation. Lebanese Sunni spiritual leader Mohammed Rashid Kabbani addressed fellow Lebanese, saying "all of us will be together," while a senior Shi'ite cleric, Abdul-Amir Kabalan, called for unity and cooperation to confront Israel. "Our only affliction is Israel ... why the differences and the sectarian tensions (among Muslims)? Muslims are brothers. We must agree and cooperate." Bishop Roland Abu Jaoude, representing Lebanon's main Maronite Catholic Church, mentioned the adjacent Maronite St. George Cathedral and said the mosque will "consolidate the coexistence and deepen it" between Muslims and Christians.