Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati received Grand Mufti of the Republic, Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian, at the Grand Serail for discussions on the current developments in Lebanon. 

The Mufti was welcomed with an official reception, greeted by Cabinet Secretary-General, Judge Mahmoud Makkieh, and Protocol Director Lahoud Lahoud.

Prime Minister Mikati expressed his gratitude for Mufti Darian’s presence, stating, "We welcome His Eminence in the house of all Lebanese. His national positions reflect the true spirit of Lebanese unity embodied by Dar al-Fatwa."

“The current phase requires all Lebanese leaders to cooperate and support each other to counter the repercussions of Israeli aggression on Lebanon and to shield the Lebanese people from the threats and divisions that the Israeli enemy seeks to incite,” the Prime Minister emphasized. 

After the meeting, Mufti Derian affirmed, “Dar al-Fatwa, as a national and Islamic institution, supports Prime Minister Mikati’s efforts to safeguard Lebanon from Israeli aggression and address the nation’s political, social, economic, and living crises to positively impact citizens’ daily needs and ease their hardships. This calls for unity, solidarity, and reinforcing Lebanon’s internal resilience to confront these challenges.”

“Our nation deserves our dedication, guided by both religious and patriotic duty, to help Lebanon overcome its crises. Our country faces serious dangers, demanding a strengthened Islamic and national unity,” the Grand Mufti added. 

Moreover, Derian praised Mikati’s approach, saying, “I observed in Prime Minister Mikati a strong commitment to addressing issues wisely and collaboratively with all political factions. He is a true statesman and an exemplary institution-builder, and it is our duty to support him.”

The Mufti also stressed the urgency of electing a new president. 

“It is time for all political forces to resolve the presidential vacancy. Lebanon cannot remain without a president. All parties must cooperate to elect a leader as soon as possible; otherwise, the country remains vulnerable to all possibilities. We are deeply concerned with ensuring Lebanon’s stability, security, and calm, and the first steps toward this are a ceasefire and the swift election of a unifying president,” Derian remarked. 

The Grand Mufti finally concluded by expressing confidence in Prime Minister Mikati’s role at the upcoming Arab summit in Saudi Arabia, invited by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz, to represent Lebanese hopes and aspirations.

Following the meeting, an extended gathering was held, attended by leading Sunni figures, including Head of Sunni Religious Courts Sheikh Mohammed Assaf, Mufti of Tripoli and the North Sheikh Mohammed Imam, Mufti of Sidon Sheikh Salim Soussan, and several other regional muftis and senior Islamic leaders.