Syrian clerics warn against hate speech, urge unity 

Amid the rise of extremist rhetoric and hate speech against various communities in Syria on social media by individuals claiming to be activists and journalists aligned with the Syrian Interim Transitional Government, several religious scholars in Hasaka, called for promoting a culture of coexistence and rejecting division. They affirmed that Syria, with its religious and ethnic diversity, has been and remains a model of a unique societal mosaic. 

In this context, Muhammad Ali, the member of the Democratic Islam Conference, noted that Syria is a nation of diverse communities and components.

 "How beautiful it is to live in this country as brothers who love one another. A single hand cannot clap, and the efforts of all must come together," Ali said.

Ali warned of the dangers of hate speech, stating, "Hate speech leads only to division, destruction, and loss of life. Syria cannot thrive in a single color; it embraces diverse religions, beliefs, and peoples. How wonderful it is for this mosaic of divine religions and different ethnicities to unite in one nation." 

Quoting the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who said, "Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should speak good or remain silent," Ali added, "If we can speak a word of goodness, let us do so. But if our words lead to division or harm, silence is better." 

Ali condemned hate speech, noting that it has no connection to Islam or any divine religion, saying, "The message of divine religions is love and tolerance, far from division and conflict. Those who promote division and hatred will be accountable before Allah." 

He concluded his message by saying, "My message to all: We live in Syria, and how beautiful it is to come together as one mosaic, loving and coexisting, returning to the model of the Medina Charter, which was an example of a multi-faith and multi-ethnic society in the Prophet’s time, as Syria is today. Let us revive that model in our reality." 

For his part, Ahmad al-Ali, the imam of the Grand Mosque in Hasaka, stressed that Islam rejects hate speech and calls for tolerance and compassion. Citing examples from the Prophet Muhammad’s life (peace be upon him), he said, "Islam rejects all forms of hatred and division. When the Prophet entered Khaybar, a Jewish woman poisoned him, yet he forgave her. The Prophet taught us forgiveness and compassion, not sectarianism or racism, which lead to division." 

Speaking about the dangers of extremist ideology, he added, "Divisive currents sweep some people away, especially the youth, who are drawn into rhetoric that condemns others and incites violence. But look at Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) when he conquered Jerusalem. He granted safety to the churches and their people. Christians invited him to pray inside the church, but he prayed at its threshold, saying, ‘If I prayed inside, Muslims would take it and say, “Here Umar prayed.”’ This is the true understanding of Islam." 

He affirmed that those who attack others in the name of religion do not represent Islam but distort its image, stating, "This extremist, exclusionary ideology does not belong to the essence of Islam; it distorts its true image, which calls for love and coexistence." 

Ahmad al-Ali concluded his message by saying, "We must return to the roots of Islam’s message, unite, and love one another. There is no difference between Arab and non-Arab, white or black, except in piety. Allah created us in different colors and tongues as a sign of His power and a call for us to love and empathize with one another.

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ANHA