Controversy Over Reported Verbal Order to Remove “Hayya ‘ala Khayr al-‘Amal” from Alawite Mosque Calls in Syria’s Coastal Areas

Controversy Over Reported Verbal Order to Remove “Hayya ‘ala Khayr al-‘Amal” from Alawite Mosque Calls in Syria’s Coastal Areas
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Reports about recent measures to prohibit the phrase “Hayya ‘ala Khayr al-‘Amal” (“Rush to the best of deeds”) from the call to prayer in mosques affiliated with Syria’s Alawite community have sparked concern and controversy among religious circles in Tartous and other coastal regions.

According to reports, the measure was initially introduced in Tartous, with plans to extend it to other Alawite-majority areas, including parts of Homs, Hama, and Jableh.

Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that while a source at the Ministry of Religious Endowments denied the issuance of any official written directive, informed sources within the Tartous Endowments Directorate confirmed that the instruction was reportedly delivered verbally under the justification of “unifying religious discourse.”

Conflicting statements from religious officials have further fueled controversy. The head of the Alawite Council in Tartous reportedly issued a statement regarding the matter, which was later removed, followed by reports that the verbal order had been withdrawn.

The developments have highlighted ongoing sensitivities surrounding religious practices and identity in Syria’s coastal regions, where the Alawite community has a significant presence.