Dar al-Fatwa faces leadership crisis over Mufti's term extension

The leadership of Dar al-Fatwa in Lebanon faces a potential crisis following a report by State Council rapporteur Rania Abu Zein. The report suggests that the 2023 decision to raise the legal age limit for the Mufti from 72 to 76 may be invalidated.

If the extension is overturned, the legal status of Mufti Abd al-Latif Daryan would be called into question. Legal interpretations of Decree No. 18 suggest that the Secretary of Fatwa could temporarily manage the institution's affairs until a successor is elected.

The situation has triggered political maneuvering among Sunni leaders. While Prime Minister Najib Mikati remains a supporter, other figures like Fouad Siniora are reportedly involved in discussions regarding potential successors. The eventual selection of a new Mufti is expected to involve a complex interplay between religious institutions, Lebanese political consensus, and regional influences from countries such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Syria.