Press release
Syrian Opposition Coalition
Department of Media and Communications
January 6, 2025
The Syrian Opposition Coalition (SOC) mourns the Islamic scholar Sariya Al-Rifai, who passed away today, Monday, in Istanbul, at the age of 77. The Coalition extends its deepest condolences to the late Sheikh’s brother, Sheikh Osama Al-Rifai, the Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as to the late Sheikh’s family, siblings, relatives, students, and admirers, and to the entire Syrian people. May Allah have mercy on him and forgive him.
The Syrian people held deep love, respect, and admiration for Sheikh Al-Rifai, due to his honorable stance in support of the great Syrian revolution since its inception. He played a prominent role in the peaceful movement against the Assad regime and contributed significantly through his writings, lectures, sermons, and humanitarian efforts.
The late Sheikh hailed from the city of Damascus and traveled to various countries around the world during his academic and preaching journey. He graduated from the Faculty of Usul al-Din (Theology) at Al-Azhar University in Egypt and earned his Master’s degree in 1977. He participated in several international Islamic conferences and served as the preacher and imam of Zaid bin Thabit Mosque in Damascus. He was forced to leave for Türkiye in 2012 due to threats from the Assad regime because of his support for the Syrian revolution.
The passing of Sheikh Al-Rifai leaves deep sorrow among Syrians, who will never forget his stance, prayers, participation, and support for the Syrian revolution since its early days. Indeed, we belong to Allah, and to Him, we shall return.
