In his sermon on Monday, marking Eid al-Fitr celebrations, Jaafarite Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Kabalan cautioned against the political and strategic stakes of the upcoming parliamentary elections, scheduled for May 2026.
He emphasized that Lebanon’s political and strategic survival depends on full mobilization in favor of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement. "Electing these forces with discipline and cohesion is a national, moral, and even legal duty," he insisted. Stressing the importance of this electoral deadline, he pointed out that it is not merely a competition between individuals but "a crucial battle for the country’s future."
He urged voters to recognize the significance of the upcoming elections and to make a decisive choice for Lebanon’s future. "Do not disappoint your country," he urged, underlining the need for massive mobilization to preserve national sovereignty and stability.
Furthermore, Sheikh Kabalan described the elections as a battle between parliamentary blocs, highlighting the exceptional nature of the moment. In this context, he warned against any attempts to weaken the electoral momentum. He also denounced foreign influences that, according to him, "seek to manipulate the election and weaken the forces of resistance."
Hezbollah’s Weapons: A Red Line
Addressing the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons, the mufti warned that challenging them would be a mistake with incalculable consequences. "The issue of resistance weapons goes beyond Lebanon itself," he stated, adding that any attempt at disarmament would plunge the country into an even more perilous situation.
He also condemned international pressures and sanctions imposed on Lebanon, calling them a "disguised war" aimed at strangling the population and weakening Hezbollah.
Kabalan Blames International Community for Lebanon’s Crisis
In his solemn speech, Sheikh Kabalan criticized foreign interference and the role of Western powers in Lebanon’s ongoing crisis.
He accused those who, in his view, are contributing to Lebanon’s political and economic suffocation by collaborating with external actors. "We want a state that protects its people, not one that colludes with foreign powers to strangle them," he declared, calling for genuine Lebanese sovereignty.
He stressed the need for a strong state capable of defending its people’s interests and resisting international pressures, asserting that Hezbollah "will not yield to sanctions or attempts at marginalization."
Finally, the Jaafarite Mufti addressed all political forces and the Lebanese population, warning against any attempts to create division and calling for solidarity among the country’s different sects.
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