Sheikh Al-Aql of the Druze Unitarian sect, Sheikh Dr. Sami Abi Al-Muna, believes that the memory of the “Western Shihar” is considered a milestone and influential in the memory of the Druze Unitarians, stressing that there is no desire to return it or activate it at the sect level except from the standpoint of loyalty to the sacrifices, adherence to the land and the holy sites, support of national reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, and deepening the national spiritual and humanitarian partnership, so that the mountain remains a living example for the homeland.
Sheikh Al-Aql’s speech came during the commemoration of the Western Shehhar, in a religious meeting held yesterday evening at the shrine of Prince Sayyid Abdullah Al-Tanukhi (Q.S.) in Abiy, in the presence of a large number of sheikhs of the sect from various regions of the mountain and Wadi Al-Taym, headed by His Eminence Sheikh Judge Naeem Hassan, in addition to a group of distinguished sheikhs, sheikhs of judges in sectarian courts, members of the sectarian council, and the religious advisory body for the sheikh of Al-Aql.
His Eminence opened the meeting by talking about the importance of commemorating this anniversary in this context, considering it an opportunity to draw lessons from history, and from the role played by Prince Sayyid Abdullah Al-Tanukhi, and the religious, spiritual, faith, intellectual and philosophical principles he instilled in the souls of the Almohads and successive generations, stressing the necessity of imitating him, following in his footsteps, and benefiting from his teachings.
Sheikh Al-Aql pointed to the important role played by the Sectarian Council, especially its religious and cultural committees, in addition to the Prince Sayyid Abdullah Al-Tanukhi College of Theistic Sciences, in confronting the increasing challenges facing the region and the Ma’war sect, calling for the protection of religious and societal values, the preservation of the monotheistic heritage, and adherence to the Arab and Islamic identity.
He concluded by emphasizing that the exacerbation of the risks around Lebanon requires greater adherence to this approach and the bright history of the sect, contemplation of reality and responsibilities, and continuous work to strengthen the unity of speech and ranks at all levels, and not to ignore the common fateful concern.
His Eminence Sheikh Majid Abu Saad also delivered a comprehensive religious speech, in which he spoke about the life and approach of Prince Sayyid Abdullah Al-Tanukhi, his religious teachings, and his spiritual and social guidance, derived from the constants of the Holy Qur’an and the principles of true Islam, stressing the necessity of adhering to them at this critical stage.
In a related context, His Eminence Sheikh Al-Aql participated in the condolences of the late Abu Faisal Rafiq Rashid Al-Aawar, father of the mayor of Qarnayil, Faisal Al-Aawar, in the town cell, at the head of a delegation of members of the sectarian council and sheikhs, and in the presence of MP “Hadi Abu Al-Hassan,” the former minister “Saleh Al-Gharib,” and events from the region, and a gathering of sheikhs and the people of the town.
His Eminence presided over the prayer alongside Sheikh Ajwad Munther, before the body was buried in the family cemetery. He also offered condolences in the town of Barouk to the late Sheikha Ward Qasim Mahmoud, and Sheikha Fadela Halawi, widow of the late Abu Issam Izzat Karbaj.
The memory of the “Gharbi Shihar” carries a special historical and spiritual importance for the Druze, as it is associated with crucial stages of sacrifices and defense of land and identity, and is commemorated annually within a comprehensive religious framework that affirms the values of national reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, and renews the commitment to the unity of the mountain and its role as a model of national partnership in Lebanon.
