The Capacities and Challenges of Approximation of Islamic Denominations in Lebanon

Approximation of Islamic denominations, meaning a peaceful living together of the followers of Islamic denominations while preserving the intra-denomination values, is an inevitable necessity. In view of the special situation of some Islamic countries, the importance and necessity of approximation of denominations is doubled. Considering the religious, cultural and political influences of Lebanon in the Middle East and among Arab-Islamic countries, the necessity of investigating the capacities of approximation in Lebanon, in order to develop and study its challenges to remove them or change them into opportunities, becomes clear.The activities of IRI, Hezbullah and the Center of Assembly of Muslim Scholars in Lebanon for approximation of denominations, along with the culture of peaceful living of followers of religions and denominations in Lebanon, when it intermingles with Islamic teachings and Fatwas of Shiite and Sunnite scholars, will turn Lebanon into a paradise for followers of denominations. Similarly, if the seditionist policies of global Arrogance, headed by US and Israel, as well as the activities of Salafis and the political disagreements of political parties and trends are not controlled, Lebanon will involve into wars for long years to come, and this may harm its religious society to a great degree. The present study is seeking to investigate the capacities of approximation in theological and jurisprudential thought of Shiite and Sunnite scholars of Lebanon with a look at religious and political trends in Lebanon and to investigate the potential and actual capacities of approximation as well as challenges leading to threats or opportunities for approximation in Lebanon. Library and field studies in Lebanon as well as interviews with heads of Muslim parties and intellectual leaders of political and religious trends in Lebanon has organized our study of the capacities and challenges for approximation of Islamic denominations in that country.