476th graduating class and 44th graduating class of GHB Madrasa bid farewell: Best students are Nedžma Durović and Ahmed Krdžić

Gazi Husrev-begova Madrasa today bid farewell to its 476th graduating class of male students and 44th graduating class of female students with a ceremonial academy.

The graduating students paraded through the streets of the Old Town, and the academy and traditional roll call were held in Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque. The ceremony was attended by the Mufti of Sarajevo, Prof. Dr. Nedžad Grabus, as the envoy of the Reis-ul-ulema, who reminded the attendees of two significant characteristics of Islamic culture and civilization: knowledge ('ilm) and faith (iman).

– Faith always educates us in character and etiquette, and protects us from instrumentalizing knowledge and manipulating it.

In other words, that knowledge should be of general benefit to all people in this world.

Therefore, it is extremely important, especially in this time when people emphasize so much the importance of knowing, reading, and learning, to never forget that a person cannot achieve what Satan tried to deceive Adam (peace be upon him) with: that he would give him the knowledge of the whole world, and that we should remain within the boundaries recommended by Muhammad (peace be upon him) – Mufti Grabus conveyed.

Ideals Worth Preserving

He also drew attention to some ideals worth preserving, such as integrity, dignity, and the fight against all that is destructive.

– We must never normalize things like corruption and nepotism, regardless of the circles they come from, because in a pluralistic society, we all have equal opportunities. Unfortunately, in every society, there are some people who are more privileged, but I hope that young people will build a society in which people will be happy in their homeland – emphasized Mufti Grabus.

This generation spent four years of their education in specific conditions of reconstruction of the female section of the Madrasa, which did not hinder their educational path. Regardless of the circumstances, numerous academic, extracurricular, and competitive successes were recorded.

– This is a good generation, as evidenced by their learning results, as well as the diplomas, awards, and trophies they brought from competitions. Their list of accolades is long, which speaks to the kind of generation this is and why we are proud of them – stated the school's director, Mr. Dževad Pleh.

Looking at the graduating students, Director Pleh emphasizes, instills the belief that the Madrasa staff have fulfilled their trust during the four years, which is reflected in their preparation for further education and character building for a bold next step.

Student of the Year (Male and Female)

The students of the year are Ahmed Krdžić and Nedžma Durović, for whom this title represents not only recognition for success but also confirmation that their effort, sacrifice, and dedication had meaning.

– I will strive to justify this title and also to remain the pride of my parents and continue seeking knowledge with the same passion as before – said Nedžma.

She describes the Madrasa as a school that teaches curriculum but also universal values, especially responsibility and gratitude.

– I am most grateful to my parents, as well as to the numerous professors and the school administration. Also, I believe that learning and getting good grades is not the most important thing. More important than that is preserving humanity, and I hope we will all carry precisely that value from the Madrasa – Nedžma conveyed.

Both plan to continue their education at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, and they perceive today as a "day of parting with someone dear and close."

– The whole feeling is like leaving a big family, people with whom we have shared the same space for four years. It is sad, and I cannot say we are happy to be leaving this place, because the madrasa is not like other schools. On the other hand, we must rejoice because we are completing a chapter of our lives – said Ahmed.

Photo: Amel Emrić

A Generation We Expect a Lot From

According to educator Fatima Čeliković Hodžić, the uniqueness of this graduating class of female students lies in the fact that they are among the few with five candidates for the student of the year.

– It can be said with pride that this is a rarity in the last few years. The number of their diplomas and extracurricular successes, which are difficult to list exhaustively, also stands out. This is the success of our community and the pride of all of us employees, which is why I often describe them as our golden generation – stated Čeliković Hodžić.

Due to the aforementioned characteristics and uniqueness, much is expected from this generation in the future, as confirmed by their class advisor Hajrudin Mešić.

– If the system supports and follows them, I believe many of them will be individuals of European and world caliber. You are journalists, and you will certainly follow this, so you will see that this will come true, God willing. A brilliant and very dynamic generation, which is graduating without any problems or issues, with excellent results in Bosnia and Herzegovina from the municipal to the state level. Many of them have a bright career ahead of them – assessed Professor Mešić.

Along with them, this generation was guided by class advisor Dževad Hećo, educator Edib Kafadar, and educator Hafiza Almedina Bojić-Rizvić.

As part of the ceremony, along with the regular roll call, the graduating students presented themselves by reciting the Quran, and performing kasidas and recitations, while the "Bošnjaci" Fund traditionally awarded the student of the year (male and female).

Let us recall that Gazi Husrev-begova Madrasa is the oldest educational institution in Bosnia and Herzegovina and one of the oldest in Europe.

It is also one of the eight madrasas operating within the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and Sandžak.

(MINA)