In a joint appeal for unity and restraint, Sheikh Akl of the Druze community, Sheikh Sami Abi al-Mona, and Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian, emphasized on Friday the importance of preserving national and intercommunal harmony amid the escalating violence in Syria’s Sweida region.
In a phone conversation, the two religious leaders reaffirmed the deep historical ties and mutual respect between the Sunni and Druze communities, denouncing any attempt to sow discord. “The pain caused by the bloodshed in Sweida is shared by all,” they declared.
They condemned inflammatory rhetoric and provocative actions that risk fueling sectarian tensions, stressing that such behavior misrepresents the longstanding relationship between the two groups. “We reject being dragged into any discourse that incites hatred or sectarian division,” they said.
Both leaders urged communities to avoid falling into the “trap of sedition” and warned that misleading media coverage and false information were exacerbating the crisis. They called for patience, wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility to prevent further bloodshed.
Sheikh Abi al-Mona and Mufti Derian also voiced opposition to any external interference that could destabilize the historical unity between the sects.
In their joint message, they appealed to the Syrian state, which they say bears the primary responsibility, as well as to Druze religious authorities in Jabal al-Arab, tribal leaders and influential figures, to work seriously and urgently toward halting the violence.
They further called for an end to intra-community fighting and the expulsion of extremist elements, whom they accused of deepening the crisis and threatening regional stability. “These elements,” they warned, “are knowingly or unknowingly implementing dangerous agendas.”
Later, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam spoke by phone with the Sheikh Akl, commending "the responsible and measured role played by spiritual leaders in calming tensions, preventing discord, and safeguarding civil peace."
During the call, the two men emphasized "the importance of preserving Syria’s unity and rejecting any attempt to sow division among its people." They also stressed that "events unfolding beyond Lebanon’s borders should not be allowed to fuel internal tensions."
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