Calls to promote coexistence, reject sedition, renounce hate speech

Within the framework of fostering peaceful coexistence and preserving the unity of Syrian society, religious scholars in the city of Ad-Darbasiyah urged adherence to Islamic values that prohibit discrimination and hatred among people. They emphasized that Islam advocates mutual respect among all components of society and regards diversity as a means for acquaintance and cooperation, not for hostility and division. They also stressed the role of preachers in places of worship in promoting a culture of tolerance and confronting all forms of sectarian incitement.

In this context, the Co-Chair of the Religious Institution in Ad-Darbasiyah, Zubaida Hussein, stated that Islam is founded on the principle of accepting others and embracing pluralism. She noted that certain actors are attempting to distort these Islamic values through destructive practices aimed at sowing discord among the components of society.

She added: “There is no difference between a Kurd and an Arab, nor among different religions and sects. We warn against the grave danger of committing massacres in the name of religion, as occurred on the coast, in Swedia, and in the Sheikh Maqsoud and al-Ashrafiyah neighborhoods, in addition to other areas. These acts are perpetrated under the pretext of religion with the aim of igniting widespread strife among the components of the Syrian people.”

She underscored the necessity of rejecting such practices due to their devastating impact on stability and peaceful coexistence. She pointed out that scholars and imams represent the foremost moral authority in society, given their significant influence on public opinion, calling upon them alongside all members of society to refrain from hate speech and to work toward consolidating the values of justice and social cohesion among the people of one nation.

For his part, the Co-Chair of the Religious Institution in the city, Hajj Ali Haj Rasul, affirmed that the people of Syria are brothers and sisters in humanity. He explained that the recent events witnessed in the regions of North and East Syria amount to nothing more than incitement and a major act of sedition among the components of the population. He noted that Syrians had lived together peacefully for many years, but that external agendas have played a clear role in attempts to dismantle the Syrian social fabric.

He expressed hope that a new Syria would be built upon the foundations of coexistence, stating: “We hope that we will all stand together, accept one another, and avoid media-driven warfare that fuels discord among the various Syrian components.”

Haj Rasul emphasized that Islam is a religion of mercy, not of evil, clarifying that the true essence of Islam lies in justice and respect for others. He reiterated that “there is no compulsion in religion,” and that religion must not constitute an obstacle to peaceful coexistence among followers of different faiths, including Muslims, Christians, and Jews.

He concluded by stressing the necessity of halting the spread of discord and reinforcing humanitarian values, noting that humanity was created to cultivate the earth, not to destroy it, and that secure and peaceful coexistence constitutes the cornerstone of building a sound and stable society.

ANHA