Saudi preacher calls upon pro-Assad Syrian mufti to repent

A senior Saudi preacher called upon the Grand Mufti of Syria, Sheikh Ahmed Badr al-Din Hassoun, who has recently issued several statements in support of president Bashar al-Assad, to repent. “If you can’t say the truth, then at least don’t lie,” said Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Fwazan, preacher and professor of comparative jurisprudence in the Riyadh-based Supreme Judiciary Institute. “What I heard Hassoun say in the press and online forums is a repetition of the Syrian regime’s allegations, which are known to be false by the whole world,” Fawzan told Al Arabiya. The mufti and the Syrian regime, Fawzan added, have lost their legitimacy and religious credibility through sanctioning the killing of innocent civilians. According to Fawzan, Hassoun belongs to the category of “misleading imams” Prophet Mohamed referred to in one of his sayings, adding that they are among the worst dangers that could threaten the Muslim nation. “A man assuming such a senior religious position is supposed to make sure that justice is served and that the lives of people are protected, but he is doing the exact opposite,” Fawzan said. Hassoun, Fawzan explained, is waging war on Syrians of all religions and sects, as well as on all Muslims, with his pro-regime statements. “He did so through linking his destiny with that of Syrian president Bashar al-Assad. He is also destroying himself because everybody knows Assad’s end is near.” Fawzan, however, admitted that Hassoun is under a lot of pressure and that he has received death threats. Hassoun stirred much controversy with his recent statements about the Syrian president. “The president does not desire power at all and wishes to leave the presidency and open an eye hospital,” said Hassoun. “The only problem is that he wants to make Syria is safe.” Hassoun added that the crisis in Syria was plotted by religious factions who had lived abroad then returned to the country to ignite the strife. “There are also the thugs who took advantage of the security vacuum to terrorize the citizens.” Hassoun also warned of a conspiracy to divide Syria into four states. Al Arabiya