Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
November 21, 2021
The Syrian Islamic Council’s (SIC) election of Sheikh Osama Al-Rifai as Syria’s Grand Mufti has restored to this post its legitimacy, weight, importance and effectiveness, all of which were undermined when the Assad regime seized power in Syria.
Since it seized power, the Assad regime has exploited the Mufti post in order to legitimize and promote its policies. It manipulated the mechanisms of electing the mufti, and turned it into an appointment by the head of the regime. Today it is seeking to erase the cultural and historical identity of Syria by abolishing the post altogether. The SIC’s move came to preserve the country’s identity as well as uphold the value and role of institutions emanating from and representing the revolution of the Syrian people.
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) welcomes Sheikh Osama Al-Rifai’s assumption of the post of Syria’s Grand Mufti in view of the scholarly, intellectual and social values he represents as well as his wisdom, moderation and commitment to what is right.
The SOC wishes Al-Rifai success in assuming his responsibilities as it expects that the SIC will carry on with its mission of unifying the word of Syrian scholars, finding legitimate solutions to Syrians’ problems and issues, defending moderate and tolerant Islam, and standing against extremism and terrorism in all its forms.
