Sheikh Ali Khatib, Deputy Head of the Supreme Islamic Shiite Council, delivered a message marking the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, emphasizing unity, resilience, and strategic awareness.
“We are approaching the blessed month of Ramadan, a month of mercy, goodness, and blessing. On this occasion, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all Lebanese, and to Muslims in particular, praying to God to grant strength and unity to our Arab and Islamic nations at a time when they face one of the gravest crises of their existence. The people of our nations must hold fast to God, as forming a unified stance is one of the highest forms of piety and the condition for divine acceptance,” His Eminence said.
National and Regional Unity as a Strategic Imperative
Sheikh Khatib stressed that the required unity extends beyond national concerns. “Unity must encompass national issues while being mirrored in the broader strategic matters of our nation. This unity is not optional—it is a divine imperative, not subject to personal convenience. Ramadan gains meaning when a people and their governments adhere to God-consciousness, ensuring blessings in their efforts, presence, and future.”
“Though historical circumstances divided our lands into multiple states under unavoidable conditions, frameworks like the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation were meant to preserve strategic unity. Yet external conspiracies, driven by Western colonial designs, have exploited sectarian and ethnic divisions, undermining both national and strategic interests. Without the vigilance of a conscious few, who upheld principles and resisted Western schemes, catastrophe would have been inevitable,” Sheikh Khatib highlighted.
Facing External Threats
Additionally, Sheikh Khatib noted that this conscious minority has warned the nation of imminent dangers threatening its existence—not merely as a single entity, but as fragmented communities manipulated into sectarian and ethnic conflicts. This threat, he said, is evident in Sudan, Libya, Syria, Qatar, and ongoing provocations against Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Gaza, Lebanon, and even Iran, following direct US support for aggression. While affected nations have recognized the peril and adopted some responses, they remain insufficient.
Call for an Arab-Islamic Alliance
Sheikh Khatib urged that this awareness evolve into a decisive Arab-Islamic alliance capable of countering this threat and providing protection for the peoples of the Arab and Islamic worlds, who bear the responsibility to ensure their own defense.
“May the blessings of this sacred month inspire our nations to fully embrace their responsibilities during this critical stage of their existence. We pray that Ramadan brings decisive victories to our peoples and countries. In Lebanon, we must safeguard national unity, uphold resistance as a pillar of national strength, and maintain a unified stance in the face of imminent dangers.”
Support for the Resisting Communities
“We ask God’s mercy on our communities of resistance, relief for the oppressed, and blessings for the martyrs. To those who endure and sacrifice today: God promises ease after hardship, relief after distress, and victory after patience. Know that you are strong—people of piety, courage, and patriotism—while the enemy is weak and fearful, despite its illusions of power.”
A Ramadan of Historical Victory
Sheikh Khatib concluded by highlighting that the holy month of Ramadan marks the historic and decisive victory at Badr, which laid the foundation for all Muslim triumphs.
Source: Al-Manar Website