FAMBRAS honors the Mufti of Zahle and Bekaa in a ceremony held in São Paulo

Last Sunday (28), FAMBRAS – Federation of Muslim Associations of Brazil held a dinner in honor of the Mufti of Zahle and Bekaa, His Eminence Dr. Sheikh Ali Al Ghazzaoui. The event was attended by leaders and religious representatives from Islamic entities, authorities from other religions, political leaders, and prominent figures from the Arab and Islamic community in Brazil.

The ceremony celebrated not only the distinguished figure of the Mufti but also the deep connection between Muslim communities in Brazil and around the world.

Conducted in an atmosphere of respect and mutual recognition, the event provided an opportunity to highlight the important contribution of the Mufti not only to the Muslim community but also to the promotion of inter-religious dialogue and the building of bridges between cultures.

Speeches echoed the deeds and values of the Mufti, praising his dedication to religious service, his wisdom as a spiritual guide, and his commitment to peace and peaceful coexistence. Mohamed Zoghbi, president of FAMBRAS, spoke about the Lebanese community in the country, which today is the most numerous and one of the most important. He also recalled the difficulties Lebanon is currently facing and called for peace for this important nation to the world. He acknowledged Al Ghazzaoui’s humanitarian efforts in this country, emphasizing their importance amid adversity. He concluded by thanking everyone present and wishing peace and health to all

Sheikh Ali Al Ghazzaoui, the honoree of the night, spoke with immense joy and gratitude to FAMBRAS for the words of Zoghbi. He expressed his appreciation for the ongoing support of the community and the opportunity to serve as a link between people and their faith. He also highlighted the challenge of combating stereotypes and promoting the true Islam in a country with a Muslim minority, emphasizing the legacy of the Federation’s founder, Hajj Hussein Mohamed El Zoghbi, and FAMBRAS’s ongoing commitment to education, social justice, and inter-religious dialogue.

Sheikh Ali El Khatib, representative of Dar Al Fatwa of Lebanon in Brazil and Latin America, emphasized in his speech the importance of knowledge and science in the history of Islam, highlighting the elevated position of scholars and religious leaders. Through passages from the Quran and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), he stressed the responsibility to honor and recognize the scholars as heirs of the prophets, who illuminate the path of truth and guidance for humanity. According to him, the Mufti’s visit to Brazil is celebrated as an auspicious moment, honoring the Lebanese and Muslim community, and following in the footsteps of his predecessor, the late Mufti of Bekaa, Sheikh Khalil Al-Mays.

The last speech of the night was from the Lebanese consul who addressed the audience to discuss the difficulties faced by the country he represents and the importance of the Lebanese community in Brazil. His speech was more than a recount of the problems; it was a call to action and an invitation to solidarity.

In addition to the homage, the ceremony served as a moment of reflection on the challenges faced by Muslim communities, as well as the opportunities to further strengthen ties of solidarity and collaboration. It also reaffirmed the commitment of the Muslim communities in Brazil to promote values of respect, tolerance, and mutual understanding, both within their own ranks and in relation to society at large.