SARAJEVO, FEBRUARY 8 (ONASA) – Bosnia is still fighting, they are still working on her head and she needs every one of her people, imams, therefore, have a historical role in that fight – said today the reisul-ulema of the Islamic Community (IZ). in Bosnia and Herzegovina Husein-ef. Kavazović, reports MINA.
Reisul-ulema Kavazović attends the scientific meeting “Role and importance of imams in the return process”, which is being held today in Sarajevo by the Association of Scholars of the Islamic Community.
In his address to those present, the reisul-ulema reminded them that just after the end of the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina, many wanted to return to the places from which they were expelled, and that the imams were aware of their role in the return process.
“The return was gaining momentum and happened, almost exclusively, only where imams were returning and where the congregation was emerging anew. As a reisul-ulema, I cannot but express my admiration for our imams. I am personally aware of many challenges that imams in various places faced at the beginning of their return, when re-learning the call to prayer, and the first gatherings of congregations. This required not only commitment and determination, but also courage. And the imams showed it, especially the younger ones among them. If they had not set themselves up like that, many of the congregations would no longer exist – I am convinced of that. Today they would be overgrown with bushes and weeds. This is something we are proud of, but it is also a lesson for generations to come,” said Reisul-ulema, adding that this phenomenon can be viewed from several angles.
He assessed that the role of the imam did not end there, and that it never ends.
“Today we are fighting to ensure better living conditions in the places we returned to. We try to provide our imams with the best possible working conditions. We know that in many cases it is not enough, but we will try to improve as much as we can. We need to stay with our people, encourage them and spiritually recover them, together with our people solve the problems we are facing – as much as we can – and awaken in the people the awareness of ourselves and our values. Bosnia is still fighting, they are still working on her head and she needs every one of her men. Imams, therefore, also have a historical role in that struggle,” emphasized the reisul-ulema.
He said that all these years we have witnessed pressure on our people, to scare them, to give up their right to their birthright.
“Unfortunately, they discouraged some of us in this. At the same time, they put a lot of pressure on the imams, targeted. We are witnessing this even these days, on the example of the chief imam Amir Mahić from Kozarac. I remind us that the first victims of the crimes committed by the RS army and police were imams, who were killed in the most brutal manner. “Despite all the pressures they are taking these days and in the future, they will not intimidate us or silence us, we will speak clearly and fight for our country, together with our people,” said Reisul-ulema.
He added that he is convinced that the time of the policies that are now on the scene and that seek to suppress everything that has a Bosnian character will pass.
“They will leave the scene, perhaps defeated, and we will remain. That is why these papers, which will be presented here today at this gathering, should be combined and published. They will be a reliable source for the later study of contemporary events and will reveal how imams played a huge role in them. A positive role. Perhaps partly crucial in the survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina. That role is very important for us today, and it will be important in the future as well. Because if we do what is up to us, Allah will do what is up to Him. And he said: And We have undertaken to help the believers!”, reisul-ulema Husein-ef said today. Kavazović.