Death of Sheikh Saria Al-Rifai.. He fought lions and drank the bitterness of displacement twice – The Salt Post

Syrian Cleric and Opposition ​Figure sheikh Sariya al-Rifai dies in Exile

Istanbul, Turkey ⁤ -⁣ Sheikh Sariya Abdul Karim al-Rifai, a prominent Syrian cleric and vocal critic of ⁣the Assad regime, passed away in Istanbul on Monday at the age of 77. Al-Rifai had been living in exile ⁤since 2012⁤ after ⁤fleeing Syria following threats from the​ government.

Known‌ for his ⁣charitable work and advocacy‌ in Damascus, ⁣al-Rifai emerged as a leading voice against‌ the Assad regime during the early days ​of the Syrian uprising in 2011. He publicly condemned the government’s brutal crackdown on protesters,issuing a joint statement with other‌ religious figures denouncing the violence and blaming the⁣ Syrian leadership.

“Based on our utmost concern for security stability and unity of the nation; We, the scholars‌ of the levant,​ deplore and ‍condemn the use of excessive violence in Hama and other syrian ‍governorates, resulting in the bloodshed of hundreds of Syrians,” the‍ statement read.

This act of defiance angered the Assad regime, which summoned the ⁤signatories ⁢for questioning. Al-Rifai ⁤refused to comply, further solidifying his stance against the‍ government.

In his memoirs, al-Rifai recounted the escalating threats he and other dissenting scholars faced. He described how ⁢the head of⁤ the General ⁢Intelligence and National Security Office, Major‌ General Hisham​ Bakhtiar, warned them against preaching at mosques.

Fearing for their safety, ‌al-Rifai and his brother, Osama al-Rifai, along with other ⁣religious figures,‌ fled Damascus in 2012.

“In the third ⁣month of 2012, we received an ⁢indirect threat from the National Security Services that their intelligence indicated that armed groups might kill us,” al-Rifai​ wrote. “So we left the country… we have ‍locked ourselves in our homes, unable to give ​anything to the‌ nation, so we have gone out to do our duty to the displaced weaklings.Their homes and ⁣their money,‍ we hope God Motivate us to do the right thing.”

Al-Rifai’s ⁤death marks the passing of a significant figure in the Syrian opposition movement. He will be remembered for his courage in speaking‍ out against injustice and‌ his unwavering commitment ‍to the Syrian people.

From Damascus Pulpit to istanbul Exile: The Story‍ of Sheikh ⁤Sariya Al-Rifai

Sheikh ⁤Sariya ⁤Al-Rifai, a ​prominent Syrian cleric known for his charitable work and influential sermons, has led ​a life marked by ‌both service and exile. ​ His journey, from leading a‍ renowned charity project in Damascus to ⁣seeking refuge in Istanbul, offers a glimpse into the complex ‍religious ​and political landscape of ⁣Syria.

Al-Rifai rose to prominence through his⁤ leadership of the “Save⁤ the ⁢blessing” project,⁤ a groundbreaking ⁢initiative that collected leftover food from ⁢restaurants and distributed it to the needy.

Starting in Damascus, the project quickly expanded across syria, providing vital ⁤aid and establishing a strong network of volunteers. Al-Rifai’s dedication​ to‌ alleviating poverty earned‌ him ⁢the⁢ moniker‌ “Sheikh of the Merchants,” a title ‌bestowed upon him by ​the wealthy Damascus businessmen who generously supported his endeavors.

However, Al-Rifai’s growing influence and ⁢the project’s popularity drew the ⁢attention of the ⁤Syrian​ government. Concerned by the cleric’s ability to mobilize support‍ and challenge their authority,the regime nationalized “Save the Blessing,”‌ appointing their⁤ own managers and gradually sidelining al-Rifai.This marked ⁤a turning⁣ point in Al-Rifai’s life.⁢ His advocacy work, ⁣which had previously focused ⁢on social welfare, ⁣became intertwined with the growing⁣ political⁤ unrest in Syria.

Al-Rifai’s association ⁤with the Zayd bin thabit ⁤group,⁤ a prominent religious organization in⁤ Damascus, further complicated his relationship with ‌the Assad regime. Following the 1982 Hama massacre, the government cracked down on religious groups, accusing them of⁤ disloyalty.

Forced‍ to flee ‌Syria in the 1980s, Al-Rifai sought refuge⁣ in Istanbul, where he continued to speak out against the regime.He used his platform to support⁢ the Syrian revolution, advocating for⁤ freedom and justice.

In 2012, Al-Rifai accompanied his brother, ​Sheikh Osama, ⁣to Istanbul, further solidifying his stance against the Assad regime. He‌ continued to ⁣use his voice⁢ to raise awareness about the plight of the Syrian people, becoming a symbol of resilience and resistance.

Sheikh Sariya Al-Rifai’s story is‌ a testament to the power of ⁢faith, compassion, and the unwavering pursuit of ‌justice. His ‍journey from Damascus pulpit to Istanbul exile reflects the ‌turbulent history of syria and the enduring struggle for freedom.

The Enduring Legacy of Sheikh Sariya al-Rifai and Damascus’s ​Zayd Group

Damascus, syria – The‍ Zayd Mosque, ​a cornerstone‍ of Damascus’s religious landscape, holds ⁣a unique place in Syrian society.⁣ ⁣more than just a place of worship,‌ it’s the heart ⁣of the influential Zayd Group, a community of scholars⁤ and followers whose impact​ extends far beyond the mosque walls.

The group ⁤traces its roots back to Sheikh Abdul karim al-Rifa’i, a revered figure who established the ⁣school that ⁤would become synonymous with‍ the mosque. Born into⁢ a humble family ‍in 1901, Sheikh Abdul Karim dedicated his life to ⁤Islamic⁢ scholarship, studying under renowned scholars like sheikh⁤ Badr al-Din⁤ al-hasani. his⁤ deep knowledge ‌and charismatic leadership drew a devoted following, shaping the Zayd Group into ‌a powerful force in Syrian society.

Sheikh Abdul Karim’s ⁢legacy lived on through his⁤ sons, including Sheikh Sariya al-Rifai, who became‌ a prominent figure in his own right. ⁢ Syrian writer Muhammad Darwish,reflecting on the ​group’s influence,noted in a piece for the​ “Nun Post,” “One ⁣of the most‍ powerful religious ⁣actors in Damascus… the Zayd group, had and continues to have a major impact ⁣on ‌the structure ‍of Syrian society and its religious orientation.”

The ‌Zayd ‌Group’s influence extends beyond‍ religious matters. Sheikh Abdul Karim ‌actively engaged with the community, establishing charitable societies and bridging the gap between religious scholars ‍and professionals from various fields.⁢ He ⁣famously encouraged his followers‍ to embrace both religious knowledge and worldly expertise, famously stating,⁣ “engineer and collector.”

Sheikh Sariya al-rifai, carrying on his father’s legacy, further solidified the Zayd Group’s position in Syrian ⁢society. His commitment to⁢ his community and his unwavering faith resonated deeply ‍with the people of Damascus.

the Zayd Group’s story is a testament to the enduring⁤ power of faith and community. ⁢Their commitment ⁤to ​education, social welfare, and interfaith dialogue⁢ continues to shape ⁣the religious ⁤and social fabric of⁣ Damascus, leaving an indelible mark on the‍ city’s history.

The Syrian Uprising: A revolution Remembered ​Through ‌Graffiti

Ten years after the start of the Syrian Civil War, the echoes of revolution still resonate on the walls of⁤ Damascus.

In the heart ‌of‍ the Syrian capital, where the regime’s grip on power remains⁣ tight, ‌a silent testament to the uprising persists: graffiti. ‍These vibrant murals, often hidden​ in alleyways or hastily scrawled on crumbling walls, offer a glimpse into the hopes, dreams, and defiance of a people yearning ​for change.

One such mural depicts a lone figure, fist ⁤raised ‍in the⁤ air, standing ‌defiantly against a backdrop of barbed wire and tanks. The image,faded but powerful,captures the spirit of the early days⁢ of the uprising,when ⁤Syrians from‌ all walks‌ of life took to the streets demanding freedom and democracy.”It‌ was a time of astonishing hope,” recalls Omar, a​ Damascus‍ resident who participated in the protests. “We believed that we could bring down the regime‍ and build⁣ a better future for Syria. The graffiti was everywhere, a symbol of our unity and determination.”

[Image: A close-up photograph of the graffiti mural depicting the lone figure.]

The syrian⁢ uprising, which ‌began in March 2011, quickly escalated⁣ into a ⁣brutal civil war. The regime, led by President Bashar al-Assad, ⁣responded to peaceful ​protests⁢ with violence, ⁢unleashing‌ its security forces on unarmed civilians.

As the conflict raged, the ‍graffiti became a tool of⁣ resistance, a way​ for Syrians to express their anger, grief, and longing for peace. ​Images of martyrs, poignant messages of solidarity, and satirical cartoons mocking the ⁢regime adorned walls across the country.”Even ⁤when the protests were crushed, the graffiti remained,” says Layla, an artist who documented the uprising through ⁢her work. “It‍ was​ a way for us to‍ keep the‌ memory of the revolution alive, to remind ourselves and‍ the world ⁢that ‍we had not⁢ forgotten.”

[Image: A panoramic photograph of a street in Damascus, showcasing several graffiti murals.]

today, ⁢as Syria enters its second decade of‌ war,‍ the‌ graffiti serves as a poignant reminder of the ⁢human cost of conflict. ​The ⁤murals ⁣are a testament to the courage and resilience of the Syrian people, a visual chronicle of their struggle⁤ for freedom and dignity.While ⁤the future of Syria remains uncertain, the ⁣graffiti on its walls‌ stands ‌as a powerful symbol of ‍hope, a reminder⁤ that even in the darkest​ of times, the human spirit can endure.

Sheikh Sariya ⁤al-Rifai Dies in Exile

Istanbul, Turkey ⁤- Sheikh Sariya Abdul‍ Karim ‍al-Rifai, a prominent Syrian⁢ cleric and vocal critic of the Assad regime, passed away in Istanbul on Monday at the⁢ age of ‌77. Al-rifai​ had‍ been living in exile as 2012 after fleeing syria following‌ threats⁢ from the government.

Known ‍for his charitable ⁤work and advocacy in ⁢Damascus,‌ al-Rifai ‌emerged as a​ leading voice against the assad regime during the ⁢early days of the⁣ Syrian⁢ uprising in 2011.He publicly condemned the government’s brutal crackdown on protesters,⁤ issuing a joint statement with other ‍religious​ figures ‌denouncing the ⁢violence and blaming the Syrian leadership.

“Based on our utmost ‍concern for security stability and unity of the nation; we, the scholars⁤ of the levant, deplore ‌and condemn ‌the use of excessive violence⁤ in Hama ⁣and other Syrian governorates, resulting in the bloodshed ⁤of hundreds of Syrians,” the statement read.

This act⁢ of defiance angered the Assad regime, which summoned the signatories for⁤ questioning. Al-Rifai refused to comply, ⁢further solidifying his stance against the government.

In his memoirs, ⁤al-Rifai recounted the escalating threats he and⁢ other ⁣dissenting scholars faced. He‍ described how the head of the ⁤General Intelligence and National Security ‍Office, major General Hisham Bakhtiar, warned them against preaching ​at mosques.

Fearing​ for their safety, al-Rifai and his brother, Osama al-Rifai, along with other​ religious figures,‌ fled Damascus in 2012.

“In ‌the third⁤ month of 2012,⁤ we received an indirect ⁢threat from the National Security ⁣Services that their intelligence indicated ‍that armed groups might kill us,” al-Rifai wrote. “So we left the country…we have ⁣locked ourselves in our homes, unable to give anything to the nation, so we have gone out to do our duty to the displaced weaklings. Their homes and their money, we hope God Motivate ‌us to do the right⁢ thing.”

Al-Rifai’s death marks the passing of a significant figure ⁣in the Syrian opposition movement. He will be remembered for his courage ‍in speaking out ‌against ⁢injustice and his unwavering commitment to the⁣ Syrian people.

From Damascus Pulpit to​ Istanbul Exile: the Story of Sheikh Sariya Al-Rifai

sheikh Sariya al-Rifai, ‍a prominent Syrian cleric ​known for‍ his⁤ charitable​ work⁢ and influential sermons, has led ‍a life marked by⁤ both service and ‍exile. his journey, from leading a renowned charity project in damascus to seeking refuge in Istanbul, offers a ⁢glimpse into the complex religious and⁣ political landscape of Syria.

Al-Rifai rose to prominence through⁤ his leadership ​of the “Save the Blessing” project,‌ a groundbreaking initiative that collected leftover food from restaurants and distributed it to the needy.

Starting in Damascus, the‌ project quickly expanded across syria, providing vital aid and establishing a strong network of volunteers. Al-Rifai’s ⁢dedication ⁤to alleviating poverty earned him the moniker‌ “Sheikh of⁤ the Merchants,” a⁤ title bestowed upon him by the wealthy Damascus businessmen who generously‌ supported his endeavors.

However,Al-Rifai’s‌ growing influence and the project’s popularity drew the attention of the ​Syrian government. Concerned by⁣ the ⁢cleric’s ability to mobilize support and challenge their authority, the regime nationalized “Save the Blessing,” appointing ⁤their own managers and gradually sidelining al-Rifai. This ⁤marked a turning point in Al-Rifai’s life. His advocacy work, which had previously focused on ⁣social welfare,⁣ became intertwined with ⁢the⁣ growing political unrest⁤ in Syria.

Al-Rifai’s association with the Zayd bin ​thabit group, a⁣ prominent religious⁢ organization in Damascus, further intricate his relationship with the Assad ‌regime. Following ‍the 1982 Hama massacre, the government cracked down on religious groups, accusing them of disloyalty.

<

Forced⁢ to⁢ flee Syria ​in ​the 1980s, Al-Rifai sought refuge in Istanbul, ‍where he continued to speak out against the regime. He used his platform to support‍ the Syrian ​revolution, advocating⁤ for freedom and justice.

In 2012,​ Al-Rifai⁢ accompanied his ⁣brother, Sheikh Osama, to Istanbul,​ further solidifying ⁣his stance against​ the Assad regime. He continued to⁢ use his voice to raise awareness about the plight of the Syrian people, becoming a‌ symbol of resilience and resistance.

Sheikh Sariya Al-Rifai’s story ‍is a⁢ testament to ⁤the power of faith,​ compassion, and the ⁣unwavering pursuit⁢ of justice. His journey from Damascus‍ pulpit to Istanbul exile reflects the turbulent history of Syria and the enduring struggle for freedom.

The⁣ Enduring Legacy of Sheikh Sariya al-Rifai and Damascus’s⁢ Zayd Group

Damascus,‍ Syria -​ The Zayd Mosque, a​ cornerstone of Damascus’s ‍religious landscape, holds a unique place‍ in Syrian⁢ society. More‌ than just a ​place of worship, it’s​ the heart of ⁢the influential Zayd Group, a community of ‍scholars and followers whose impact⁤ extends far‍ beyond ⁢the mosque walls.

The group traces its roots back to⁣ Sheikh Abdul karim ⁢al-Rifa’i, a ⁤revered ​figure who established the ⁢school that would become synonymous with the mosque. Born into a humble family in 1901, Sheikh Abdul Karim dedicated⁣ his life to Islamic scholarship, studying ⁣under renowned‍ scholars like Sheikh Badr al-Din ‌al-hasani. His deep knowledge and charismatic leadership drew a devoted following, shaping the ⁢Zayd ​Group into ⁢a powerful force in Syrian society.

Sheikh Abdul‌ Karim’s legacy lived on ⁤through his sons, including Sheikh Sariya al-Rifai, who became ‍a prominent figure in his own right. Syrian writer Muhammad Darwish, reflecting on the group’s influence, ⁢noted in a piece ​for the “Nun Post,”

“One of the most powerful religious actors in Damascus… the ‌Zayd group,had and continues‌ to have a major impact on the structure of Syrian society ‌and its religious orientation.”

The Zayd Group’s influence ‌extends beyond religious ‌matters…