Religious leaders in Raqqa call for unity, reject sectarianism

Amid the rise of sectarian rhetoric and incitement on social media, sheikhs from the Religious Council and the Al al-Bayt Association in Raqqa Canton called for rejecting discord and strengthening the spirit of fraternity among Syrians.

Syria Is Not Built by Incitement, but by Love and Justice

Sheikh Mousa al-Bahri, Director of Mosque Affairs in the Religious Council of Raqqa Canton, affirmed that sectarian and inciting discourse does not represent Islam nor reflect its tolerant values. He stressed that “whoever rejects others because they differ in opinion has no right to deny their existence.”

Al-Bahri called for building Syria with one hand, noting that every individual has their own role and vision, and that difference does not mean division but is a source of richness and diversity. He said: “You have your opinion and I have mine, and we must meet on love, safety, and morals.”

He concluded by emphasizing that justice and equality among all groups and components are the true foundation for building a cohesive nation, far from division and incitement.

For his part, Ibrahim al-Owais, Co-Chair of the Religious Council in Raqqa Canton, expressed concern over the growing disputes among Syrians on social media, considering these behaviors alien to Syrian society, which was known for love and mutual respect.

He pointed out that instead of extinguishing the fire of discord, some are adding fuel to it, warning that such practices serve external interests seeking to divide Syria and weaken its national unity.

Al-Owais stressed that sectarian incitement has nothing to do with Islam, and that building Syria requires unity and acceptance of differences. He addressed Syrians by saying: “We live under the roof of one homeland. Let us reject foreign ambitions, avoid fraternal hostility, return to reason, and renounce sectarian discourse that serves only the enemies of the nation.”

Rejecting Incitement and Affirming Peaceful Coexistence

In turn, Hussein Taqs, Co-Chair of the Reconciliation Committee of the Al al-Bayt Association in Raqqa Canton, stressed the need to confront hate speech with sincere discourse rooted in conscience and morality. He cited the prophetic model during the migration to Medina, when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) brought together diverse communities under one umbrella, saying: “We are one nation in righteousness and piety.”

He affirmed that the Qur’an and the Sunnah call for wisdom and good counsel, far from discord, noting that nations are built on morals and collapse when morals are lost.

Taqs condemned inciting rhetoric and called on Syrians to foster harmony, cooperation, and love, and to view Syria as one home that includes all its components, without discrimination between regions or communities.

He concluded by emphasizing that building a new Syria requires real integration through dialogue, cooperation, and reconciliation, affirming that Syrian and Muslim blood is sacred and must not be taken lightly. He stressed that dialogue and sitting together are the paths to reconstruction and to establishing a homeland of justice and love, pledging to continue calling for unity and fraternity.

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ANHA