In the Name of God, Most Merciful, Most Gracious

 Praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and Prayers and Peace

be upon the Greatest Messenger and  his Family and Companions

 Dear sons in Canada,

From the quarters of your dear homeland, we send you our greetings asking the Almighty to guide us altogether for good work, reunification, preservation of heritage and implementation of the monotheistic principles in thought, belief and practice.

I noticed in the invitation addressed by Mr. Imad Chehayeb, your wish of strengthening and understanding the culture and values of the monotheistic community.  Besides, Mr. Samer Abou Mjahed informed me that your meeting this time comes within the scope of consensus and unity which bodes well and gathers a lot of the community members from all around the world.

The cohesion, coherence, upholding values and virtues and belief in God are duties imposed on us; so, we bless your unity and consensus and wish you more of reunification and brethren preservation in facing the risks of alienation, life challenges, and the possibilities of loss and dispersion.

As to the values of the monotheistic community, I want to remind you that our doctrine is that of sensing the presence of the Almighty God, Who is always present watching man everywhere, listening to his words and examining what goes in his conscience.

Real happiness is achieved only in God’s satisfaction. Our doctrine is based on preserving brotherhood and guarding one’s tongue (honesty); it is the doctrine of moderation; the doctrine of choice, reason, wisdom; the doctrine of self-esteem, honor, and manners; it is an attitude of blessing God’s graces; an attitude of hard work and living for children; the doctrine of gratefulness; the doctrine of prohibiting alcohol and adultery, of prohibiting murder except in self-defense; the doctrine of prohibiting terrorism and suicide; the doctrine of knowing the duties of prayer; the doctrine of prohibiting rape; the doctrine of child care; the doctrine of keeping away from falsity, gossip, backbiting, and deceit; the doctrine of forbidding being in seclusion with a foreigner or any other abnormalities.

On this occasion, I recall a commandment written by our ancestor, the late Sheikh Mohamad Abou Shakra, of which I would like to recall a part with you.

He recommended that everyone of you shall remember his origin, roots, as well as the confession’s heritage, history and glories and pass this to his descendents so that the virtue of abiding by the principles of morals and manners supporting those bright glories and history would be implanted in their minds and souls. Besides, he recommended your solidarity and unity in weal and woe, your constant endeavors to maintain the unity and consolidation of your leadership in all circumstances since many experiences have proved for all people that a nation could never enjoy power, glory, progress, security, stability or dignity if afflicted with dispute and disunion.

I warn you of long migration which carries the roots of fragmentation and disintegration causing a general weakness on the long run in addition to the loss of your home identity, the only means of your dignity, respect and stability.

I warn you of denying the principles of the monotheistic doctrine by intermarriage, and others; by straying from its noble customs and traditions that would be absolutely obliterated; and burying alive all that has to do with such and with what we are proud of this history and heritage; at then, consequences would not be limited to you but extend to reach your sons who would experience an absolute alienation from all those firm principles which helped your fathers and ancestors in standing the most of difficulties and the greatest of dangers and occupying the most dignified of posts throughout their history rich in deeds and chivalry. 

We wish you success and goodbye.   

Beirut: 14/5/2009