Grand Mufti of Syria

The position of the grand mufti, originally referred to as Shaykh al-Islām, was established by the Ottoman Empire. It served as a formal designation for high-ranking Islamic scholars. These scholars were entrusted with interpreting Islamic jurisprudence and offering guidance on religious matters. Although the historical records of muftis from different regions under Ottoman rule are limited, the office extended to various territories, including present-day Syria.^[6][7] Following the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the French Mandate of Syria, the position of the grand mufti continued under local religious leadership.^[8]

After Syria gained independence in 1946, the office was retained under the constitution of Syria. However, it became more closely regulated by successive secular governments, including the Ba'athist regime that came to power following the 1963 coup.^[8] Under Ba'athist rule, religious institutions in Syria were more closely integrated with the state, and the role of the grand mufti was influenced by policies encouraging alignment between religious authority and government interests.^[9]

In the early 1970s, Assad abolished the election process for the position of grand mufti, re-appointing Ahmad Kuftaro as the grand mufti for life. Kuftaro held the position from 1964 until his death in 2004.^[10]

The decision to abolish the position of grand mufti occurred shortly after Sheikh Ahmad Hassoun, the then-current officeholder, made a statement during the funeral of renowned Aleppo singer Sabah Fakhri. Hassoun claimed that the map of Syria is referenced in surah At-Tin of the Qur'an and asserted that humanity was created in Syria.^[11] He interpreted the Qur'anic verse "{We have indeed created man in the best of moulds}" as referring specifically to "Syrian man," suggesting a spiritual status for Syrians.^[9] He also associated the surah with Syrian refugees, asserting that those who left the country would face divine punishment. This interpretation drew significant attention and was widely seen as controversial, generating both religious and public debate regarding his approach to scriptural exegesis and its implications amid Syria's ongoing conflict.^[11]

The changes regarding the grand mufti's position were part of a broader strategy for regime consolidation that began in 2018. The introduction of Law 31 altered the previously held life tenure of the mufti into a three-year term.^[12][13]

The decision to abolish the position of grand mufti in Syria is also attributed to multiple factors, including a long-standing rivalry between Sheikh Ahmad Hassoun, the former grand mufti, and minister of Religious Endowments, Mohammed Abdul Sattar.^[9]

Some observers link the decision to financial misconduct allegations involving Hassoun, dating back to his time as mufti of Aleppo. The abolishment attracted a significant shift for Syria, which, for the first time since its independence, lacks a designated role solely responsible for issuing fatwas.^[9] Several groups and critics, including Aix-Marseille University researcher Thomas Pierret view this as a demographic transitions in Syria, suggesting a diminishing of Sunni authority^[14] and its influence over religious rulings, personal status laws, and endowment regulations. Instead, the Scholarly Council of Jurisprudence, which along with other state-alleged agencies, now oversees these duties, includes a diverse membership from various religious communities, including Sunni, Shi'a, Druze, Alawite, Ismaili, and Christian representatives.^[9]

The Syrian Islamic Council (SIC) alleged the move as a step toward sectarianism, claiming it benefits the Iranian-backed concept of the Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist. The SIC also viewed its abolishment as facilitating the inclusion of foreign, pro-Iranian elements within Syria's religious institutions, a move it suggests further distances Syria from its historical Islamic and Arab identity.^[9]

Before the office was abolished in 2021, the grand mufti of Syria was appointed by the president of Syria.^[15] Following its subsequent re-establishment by the Syrian opposition, it serves as de facto religious authority.^[16]

Although the specific duties and influence of the office varied over time, the grand mufti's general responsibilities include, issuing fatwas and providing advisory support. As the highest Sunni authority in Syria, the grand mufti is also responsible for offering religious guidance to the Sunni Muslim community and participating in promoting Islamic education and observances, such as Ramadan and other religious holidays.^[5]

The role of the mufti is not exclusively designated for the Sunni sect; rather, it is entrusted to serve the entire Muslim community. One of the key responsibilities of the mufti is to oversee the affairs of all Islamic sects impartially, ensuring that no discrimination occurs. The appointment to this position involves an electoral process in which Muslim scholars participate.^[17]