The scholar, Mr. Ali Fadlallah, called for consolidating the concept of love for the homeland as a national and moral responsibility that translates into defending it and protecting its unity and sovereignty, warning at the same time against transforming national affiliation into abhorrent fanaticism, and against political speeches that raise the level of tension and incitement.
This came during a dialogue meeting held by Fadlallah at the Islamic Cultural Center in Haret Hreik, under the title “Love of the Homeland is from Faith,” where he answered a number of questions related to the latest developments in Lebanon and the region.
Fadlallah began the meeting by pointing out that love of the homeland is an instinct that God has placed in mankind to become familiar with his land and strive to build and defend it. He stressed that Islam has strengthened this concept to include any homeland inhabited by a person, regardless of his identity or the majority of its population, and stressing that love of the homeland must not turn into fanaticism that prevents a person from seeing truth and justice in other countries.
He explained that the true expression of love for the homeland is by protecting it from aggressors and covetous people, and working to keep it united and free, pointing out that Shiite Muslims have made and are still making sacrifices for the sake of Lebanon’s sovereignty and human dignity, and that the sect has always believed in openness, pluralism, and dialogue to prevent the division of the homeland.
Regarding the living and social issue, Fadlallah ruled out the occurrence of a “social explosion” despite the harsh conditions, criticizing the movement of labor unions governed by political decisions, and called on the state to give the living situation the necessary attention to find solutions that alleviate the suffering of citizens.
Regarding traffic accidents, Fadlallah stressed that it is not permissible according to Islamic law to violate traffic laws and excessive speed, as they pose a fatal threat to the lives of the driver, those with him, and others, calling on the state to strictly implement procedures and hold violators accountable.
Regarding cultural and political matters, he criticized the phenomenon of sanctifying people and blind dependencies in the East, calling for establishing a culture of constructive criticism away from sanctification or abolition. He also sent a message to the political class about the need to move away from the logic of incitement, provocation, and verbal exchanges, and to appreciate the repercussions of the word on the ground.
Fadlallah concluded by emphasizing that “the homeland is for everyone, and the logic of tension and escalation is not a solution,” linking love for the homeland with the collective responsibility to protect it, preserve its unity, and address its crises away from fanaticism.
