Sermon on the Day of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina: Having Your Own State and Freedom is an Invaluable Treasure

(Patria) - In the sermon of the Riyaset of the Islamic Community on the occasion of the Day of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, written by battalion imam Ammar-ef. Cikotić, it was stated that having one's own state and freedom is an invaluable treasure.

The second day of Eid al-Fitr marked the Day of Martyrs, and on April 15th, the Day of the Army will be marked. Given the significance of these dates, which commemorate the brilliant feats and successes of the best sons of Bosnia and Herzegovina, a thematic sermon was read in mosques today.

"There are events and dates that, whenever we return to them and remember them, with Allah's help, restore our strength, pride, and dignity. There are many such events in our homeland, but one stands out far and always above the others.

Most of us know that Bosnia and Herzegovina has a rich history. But in that rich history, it has not remembered an army like the one born in 1992 from the people for the people, the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina," it was emphasized in the sermon.

The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was created out of the need to defend, not to attack and conquer. Officially, it was founded on April 15, 1992, from the territorial defense units of Bosnia and Herzegovina and organized volunteers.

"The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina was a response to the Greater Serbia aggression. Our people were pushed against a wall, and then they offered resistance to a far superior enemy. Courage, defiance, and honor were stronger than the aggressor's heavy weaponry.

In those crucial moments for our country, there was no fear, only a great desire and commitment to a free Bosnia and Herzegovina, for everyone and with everyone. The great desire to preserve Bosnia and Herzegovina, our only homeland, was the driving force of love, strength, and courage.

This great desire among young men and women, the elderly and children, carried by a firm decision that it was worth dying for. This historical commitment should be engraved in golden letters in our hearts and memories," it was emphasized in the sermon.

It is added that with the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, our country received its own army for the first time – a military force that would defend the sovereignty and integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all its citizens.

It was stated that young people and future generations in Bosnia and Herzegovina should be told this repeatedly, constantly reminded of the bright example from our not-so-distant past about the struggle for survival, for truth and justice, and against fascism.

"Under the flag with golden lilies, members of all Bosnian peoples fought in the struggle for survival during the aggression against Bosnia and Herzegovina. And it is precisely the multi-ethnic composition of the units that is one of the main characteristics of the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina went through a not-at-all easy path. From poorly armed young men in sneakers to fearless fighters. We should talk about these fighters and constantly keep our past illuminated as material that we should all master, remember, and know how to pass on to future generations.

From a defensive force, the Army grew into a liberating military force and reclaimed territories taken by the aggressor. Bosnia and Herzegovina was supposed to fall silently, disappear from the world map. But, thanks to Almighty Allah, and then to heroes with pure and brave hearts, that did not happen. Whoever Allah helps is given all good," the sermon states.
By the survival of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina achieved its greatest victory.

"It was a victory, and the Army left a lasting example of a brave army that preserved the honor and dignity of the Bosnian man. Therefore, let us also be brave and wise enough to draw lessons and strength from our glorious past by doing everything to always be up to the task, and to make the future of this country even safer and more prosperous.

Let us be at least aware of how much we owe them for their struggle, because it would be a sin to remain silent or, God forbid, to let the struggle, in whose fruits we live today, be forgotten. Having one's own state and freedom is an invaluable treasure. It is up to us how aware we are of the facts and our history.
How much we strive to pass it on to younger and future generations. In this endeavor and struggle, we should all participate, remembering and not forgetting all those who were ready to defend Bosnia and Herzegovina and all its citizens with their lives," the sermon concludes.

In the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque in Sarajevo, the sermon was delivered by hafiz dr. Mensur-ef. Malkić, director of the Directorate for Religious Affairs.