Sheikh of the Unitarian Druze community, Abu Wael Hamoud Al-Hannawi1. indicated that “we, the people of the Unitarian Druze community, are people of principles, and among our principles is the spiritual presidency represented by the three Sheikhs of the Aql. Given our customs, characteristics, and personal status, our community turns to its spiritual and social authorities regardless of how small or large its issues may be,” pointing out that regarding participation in demonstrations, “the issue is not about joining a movement nor aligning with a specific party, but rather necessary stances taken by the authority in support of the truth, legitimate demands, suppressing corruption, ending strife, and preventing bloodshed. From my position as a Sheikh of the Aql and a spiritual leader, duty and the trust of responsibility compel me not to abandon my children, my people, and my homeland, no matter the reasons. Therefore, when our children were subjected to gunfire in one situation, I took a firm stance without hesitation or bias to prevent fighting between our people and the sons of our one nation, because the blood of a Syrian is sacred to a Syrian, and whoever kills a soul unjustly, it is as if he had killed all of mankind. We will not allow any party to tamper with our ranks and our security; the battle is not our battle in fighting brother against brother, and aggression is not among our traits. Is it conceivable for a responsible official like me to stand idly by and let things spiral out of control!”
In an interview with “Independent Arabia,” Sheikh Al-Hannawi addressed the head of the Syrian regime, Bashar al-Assad, saying at the time, “If you cannot solve the problems, there are others who can,” adding, “If we are exposed to any danger, we will not be in the back, but in the front.”
Sheikh Al-Hannawi viewed that “the current movement in As-Suwayda was not born in the moment, nor was it limited to it. The proof is that the Syrian crisis has encompassed all governorates, with its own causes and consequences. The difference is that it is a peaceful movement, following our example in calling for civil peace with everyone, and our stances bear witness to that. The conditions that pushed the people of As-Suwayda have their reasons, including the economic chokehold due to the lack of a crossing from As-Suwayda’s lands on the southern border with Jordan, unlike other governorates, in addition to the consequences of the crisis where crimes and drugs have spread in light of the absence of law and the preoccupation of the authority with its internal wars. Needless to say, there is bribery and corruption, which is the root of the problem. We are not the only ones in Syria speaking about this; the whole world knows the tragedy of the Syrian people and the crisis that has befallen them.”
In this context, Al-Hannawi indicated that “despite the danger of fragmentation, division, accusations of apostasy, and treason circulating in the Syrian arena due to the absence of the truth regarding the course and facts of the crisis, our history refutes rumors—past, present, and future. We are protectors of the frontiers and the homes, and advocates of peace and mutual respect, as we are an integral part of our Syrian homeland, and As-Suwayda is one of its governorates. What happens to the homeland happens to us, and we reject any schemes to create any flaw in Syrian society, both land and people.”
Furthermore, Sheikh Al-Hannawi reminded that “the history of the Druze community is rich in events and full of important stances since the beginning of the faith in the Fatimid era,” where “we never finish one tribulation without falling into difficulties, challenges, clashes, and conflicts even harder than before, and history is the best evidence.” He added that “despite the anxiety that these disputes cause us, all attempts aimed at our extinction and elimination have not succeeded. If we are considered a minority by others, we are a majority in our faith, patriotism, dignity, and activities. Our historical presence bears witness to us; therefore, we earn the respect of ourselves and others.” Al-Hannawi continued, saying: “Our concern remains for others, not for ourselves, because we trust in our truths, the validity of our principles, the purity of our hearts, the cleanliness of our positions, and the sharpness of our swords. The eye of the storm reaches others before it reaches us, and we do not fear storms, no matter how severe their calamities.”
In conclusion, Sheikh Al-Hannawi addressed the people of As-Suwayda and all Syrians, saying, “We must fear God, review ourselves, and let our conscience and sound minds rule in saving what remains. Syria in general, and As-Suwayda in particular, deserve nothing but good. Enough with fighting, crises, conflict, fragmentation, division, loss, destruction, displacement, enmity, terrorism, and accusations of apostasy. Let us all know that corruption is the root of the problem, and the corrupt are an incurable cause, and we must all, regardless of our affiliations and backgrounds, search for a sound solution that restores Syria to its natural path.”
