Call for unity from Syria's Grand Mufti Rifai to Kurdish scholars: We are in need of the revival of the spirit of Saladin.

26.01.2026 21:30

The Grand Mufti of Syria, Usama al-Rifai, called for unity among Kurdish religious scholars, urging the rejection of sectarianism, nationalism, and party-based divisions. Emphasizing the legacy of Saladin, Rifai stated that the "spirit of Saladin" needs to be revived in the Islamic world, expressing that the scholars of Damascus are ready to provide all kinds of support for the religious and worldly peace of the Kurdish people.

The Grand Mufti of Syria, Usama al-Rifai, called on Kurdish religious scholars to unite around common religious principles. Emphasizing the need to reject sectarianism, nationalism, and party-based divisions, Rifai highlighted the importance of staying away from political disagreements. Speaking to the Syrian state agency SANA, Rifai stated that the Muslim world today needs the spirit of unity more than ever, pointing to the legacy of Saladin.

"WE STILL OWE YOU A DEBT OF GRATITUDE..."

In his statement, Rifai said: "We still owe you a debt of gratitude; that is the legacy of Saladin. Before breaking the power of his enemies, Saladin ensured the unity of Muslims. He also liberated Jerusalem thanks to this. Today, we are in need of the revival of that 'spirit of Saladin' both among you and throughout the entire Islamic world.

"AS SCHOLARS OF DAMASCUS, WE ARE AT YOUR SERVICE FOR ANY WORK TO ENSURE THE TEMPORAL PEACE OF THE KURDISH PEOPLE"

Your nation needs you. You must establish a solidarity where the strong care for the weak, the rich look after the poor, and all forms of discrimination are excluded. As scholars of Damascus, we are at your service for any work that serves the interests of the Kurdish people, protects their religion, and ensures their temporal peace. No partisanship, racism, tribalism, or any ideas and movements imported from outside can harm our brotherhood. May Allah unite us in His love, obedience, and pleasure."

The statements of Grand Mufti Rifai are seen as a message of unity and solidarity in the religious circles of the region, and they also emerged as a call for cohesion around common values in the Islamic world.