Banja Luka's "Reis Ibrahim-ef. Maglajlić" Madrasah Sees Off Third Graduating Class

(Patria) - Banja Luka's "Reis Ibrahim-ef. Maglajlić" Madrasah bid farewell to its third generation of male and female graduates with a ceremonial academy at the Banski Dvori and a parade through the city center.

It is the youngest educational institution of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the only one operating in the territory of the entity of RS.

Interest in it is growing year by year, and it is entirely financed by the Bejtul-mal Fund.

The traditional parade of the male and female graduates of the Banja Luka "Reis Ibrahim-ef. Maglajlić" Madrasah began in front of the Ferhadija Mosque and concluded at the Banski Dvori, where a ceremonial academy was organized to mark the farewell of the third generation.

The graduates express their satisfaction with having studied in Banja Luka for the past four years and say they would do it all over again.

- My brother was in the first graduating class of the Banja Luka Madrasah, and I am in the third. Throughout our studies at the madrasah, we felt like one family - says graduate Ajna Čavka.

The Mufti of Banja Luka, Ismail-ef. Smajlović, emphasized that by seeing off the graduates, we witness the arrival of youth on a life path that can and should be a new light on the social scene, especially on the streets of Banja Luka, the area of the Banja Luka Muftiate, and the entire territory of the Islamic Community.

- Responsible leadership in the Banja Luka Muftiate is proud of the fact that parents are giving birth to and directing their children to the educational institutions of our mektebs and madrasahs. This can be a new strength to encourage progress in all areas of life.

It is good and beneficial that those holding important roles in government bodies are with us today and that we are witnessing together the commitment of youth to learning and useful work. We need this in all our jamaats, educational institutions, and organizational units of the Islamic Community, as well as in society as a whole - Smajlović stated.

He specifically addressed the graduates with the advice not to shy away from challenges that bring them success.

- Therefore, all factors of our society can contribute much more to raising the school to a higher quality level in all aspects of its operation at this time, and to fully preserve its educational role.

There are many places where the vices of today are taking their toll on our youth. That is why the school and the teacher must remain our hope - Smajlović emphasized.

The Director of the Madrasah, Muris-ef. Spahić, points out that this institution is not only the youngest school of the Islamic Community but also an inseparable part of the identity of the city on the Vrbas river.

- With the establishment of the madrasah, youth came to Banja Luka. And with the arrival of youth, life returned to the city - emphasizes Muris-ef. Spahić.

The importance of seeing off the Banja Luka graduates was also highlighted by the Minister for Human Rights and Refugees of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sevlid Hurtić.

- In this way, a positive message is sent about what Bosnia and Herzegovina is like - stated Hurtić.

Nearly 95 percent of the students at the Banja Luka Madrasah come from jamaats in the RS. It was founded six years ago, and interest in it is constantly growing.