Blagaj gathered believers from all over BiH: Central program of 'Days of Mevlid and Dhikr' held

(Patria) - Believers from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina attended today the central program of the 51st "Days of Mevlid and Dhikr" event, which was held in front of the Blagaj tekke at the Buna spring.

The program, filled with Quran recitation, dhikr, and appropriate addresses by officials of the Islamic Community, gathered numerous imams, scholars, dervishes, and guests from home and abroad.

The central program was also attended by the envoy of the Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, former Banja Luka mufti Nusret-ef. Abdibegović.

– This beautiful place is an oasis of our Bosnian spirituality. This event opens not only souls, but also the Bosnian space, because I saw that you came from different parts of our homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and this mevlud would not be what it is without you. Thanks to you and your care, this event and this manifestation, led by the sheikh, our mufti Salem efendi, ranks among the very top of such events in our country. My message is that without spirituality, there is no strength in a person. You are here in worship and visiting these people, spreading goodness to each other – said efendi Abdibegović.

The gathering of believers at the prayer site of the Buna spring is considered one of the oldest traditions of Bosnian Muslims, and over the decades it has grown into an event that, in addition to its religious significance, also holds strong cultural and social importance.

In his address, the host, Mostar mufti Dr. Salem-ef. Dedović, reminded that the mevlud in Blagaj is deeply rooted in the tradition of old Bosniaks and the continuity of spiritual life in these areas.

– You have flowed into Mostar and Herzegovina, so that it breathes with full lungs, and it truly does. No one will determine the measure of our freedom, our authenticity, without denying anyone else the right to their self-identity and any other expression. This is our expression of loyalty to our Lord and the Sunnah of our Prophet, our beautiful tradition from which emerges a sense of mutual connection, a connection with people throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina – said the mufti.

Mufti Salem ef. Dedović (Photo: MINA)

He also added that this is an opportunity to say that our country is older and greater than any interest, any border between us.

– Our interest is greater and more important, the interest of our country's destiny is the most important. Today we came here with our hearts, our hearts speak, our hearts are mirrors, and a person should listen to their heart. Our hearts are called to preserve the awareness of the Lord, of how to follow the Sunnah of our Prophet (peace be upon him). The message of open hearts resonates throughout our Bosnia and Herzegovina and may it be an inspiration for all of you who are here – conveyed mufti Dedović.

During the program, excerpts from the mevlud were recited in Bosnian and Turkish, dhikr and prayers were performed, and special attention this year was focused on preserving the authenticity of the event, which has been gathering believers of different generations for more than half a century and reminds of the importance of the spiritual tradition of Muslims in Herzegovina.

This event is part of the 51st "Days of Mevlid and Dhikr" manifestation, one of the most significant religious and cultural events in Herzegovina, which runs from April 23 to May 14, 2026.

The manifestation is organized by the Muftiship of Mostar in cooperation with several institutions, including the Majlis of the Islamic Community of Mostar, the Tarikatski Center of BiH, the Karađoz-begova Madrasa, and the Center for Research of Islamic Culture and Tradition of Mostar.