Statement rejects Al-Gharyani’s remarks on the Houthis
Libya – The Higher Committee for Fatwa condemned remarks it said Sadiq Al-Gharyani had made in support of the Houthis, arguing that his position on the war and what it called an assault on the Holy Sanctuary must not be endorsed or backed.
Accusations of backing parties it called deviant
In a statement issued in Benghazi on Friday, 18 September 2026, the committee attacked Al-Gharyani and his party, accusing him of stirring discord and supporting parties it described as deviant. It recalled what it said was an earlier stance in which he backed those it labelled khawarij and held them responsible for corruption in the country. The statement used harsh sectarian language against the Houthis and those who support them, and attributed to Al-Gharyani support for them in a war against Sunnis.
The committee said any assault on the Sanctuary “is an assault on every Muslim” and that, in its view, no one claiming to belong to Islam may endorse it or stand with those who violate what it called God’s sanctities, citing the Quranic verse: “And whoever intends therein [a deed] of deviation [in religion] or wrongdoing — We will make him taste of a painful punishment.”
Dispute over the fatwa office
The committee reiterated that Al-Gharyani was removed in 2014 under Law No. 8 issued by the House of Representatives, and that it is the body authorised to issue fatwas in the Libyan state, accusing him of continuing to pose as mufti since then.
It closed with prayers for Libya and Muslim countries and for the protection of the Holy Mosque, its people and its visitors. The statement was dated 6 Rabi‘ al-Akhir 1448 AH, corresponding to 18 September 2026.
