Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has officially appointed Sheikh Osama al-Rifai as the Grand Mufti of the Syrian Arab Republic during a ceremony at the People’s Palace in Damascus. The event also marked the formation of the Supreme Fatwa Council, a new body tasked with overseeing and implementing religious rulings. Council members were appointed by the office of the presidency and will consist of 15 scholars, each chosen for their expertise in Islamic jurisprudence.
Presidential Decree & Council Responsibilities
A decree issued by the presidency confirmed the formation of the Supreme Fatwa Council, detailing its role and responsibilities. The council will be chaired by Sheikh Osama al-Rifai and include prominent scholars such as Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Rateb al-Nabulsi, Sheikh Dr. Muhammad Abu ll-Khayer Shukri, Sheikh Muhammad Naim al-Arqasousi, Sheikh Dr. Abdulfattah al-Bazm, Sheikh Dr. Khairallah Talib, Sheikh Dr. Mazhar al-Wais, Sheikh Abdurahim Atoun, Sheikh Dr. Anas Ayrot, Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim Shasho, Sheikh Dr. Ibrahim al-Hassoun, Sheikh Alauddin Qassar, Sheikh Muhammad Wahbi Suleiman, and Sheikh Sahl Junaid.
The council has been tasked with issuing religious rulings on contemporary issues, adjudicating cases referred to it, appointing regional religious judges, and overseeing fatwa offices across the country. Decisions will be made by majority vote, with the president holding the tie-breaking vote if needed. The council is also responsible for regulating religious discourse in Syria.
President Sharaa’s Address
During the announcement, President Ahmad al-Sharaa delivered a speech emphasizing the Levant’s historical role in religious scholarship and the need to restore Syria’s religious institutions. “The Levant has always been a platform for knowledge, civilization, and advocacy, from which goodness is directed to the entire nation. Until Syria fell into the hands of a corrupt gang, evil emerged, calamity spread, and efforts were made to destroy Syria, one by one,” Sharaa stated.
He underscored the importance of reestablishing the Grand Mufti’s position and ensuring that fatwas are issued through a collective process. “The issuance of fatwas should become a collective responsibility through the formation of a Supreme Council for Fatwas, through which fatwas are issued after utmost research and investigation.” he added.
The president also highlighted the council’s role in promoting moderate religious discourse and fostering unity. “The Fatwa Council seeks to regulate moderate religious discourse, combining authenticity and modernity while preserving identity, resolving disputes that lead to division, and closing the door to evil and disagreement,” he said.
Restructuring Syria’s Religious Institutions
Analysts suggest this move could reshape the current religious discourse in the country, better representing today’s religious landscape. Concluding his speech, President Sharaa expressed his hopes for Syria’s future, saying, “I ask God Almighty in this holy month to help us rebuild beloved Syria as a just, compassionate, strong, and trustworthy state, one that provides pride and dignity for its people.”
