Ljevaković in Bosanska Dubica: Here we plan our present and our future

(Patria) - Deputy Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Prof. Dr. Enes-ef. Ljevaković, on the occasion of the opening of the Čaršijska Mosque in Bosanska Dubica today, stated that its renovation confirms the desire to live in these areas.

Addressing the attendees at the ceremony, Ljevaković recalled the difficult fate of the mosque, which was ceremonially opened today. It was built in the 17th century and has been destroyed and devastated multiple times since then.

"There were attempts to erase its trace, but each time after these shameful attempts to remove it, it rose again in an even more beautiful and stronger form. Now, newly renovated, the Čaršijska Mosque in Bosanska Dubica, beautiful, dignified, and graceful - once again adorns this city, this region, and the whole of Bosnia, bringing warmth and joy to the hearts of good people and awakening the noblest feelings in them," he said.

He stated that it, and other mosques that have had a similar fate, confirm that "our mosques are steadfast, strong, and long-lasting, because they are firmly rooted in our land and permanently present in our hearts".

"Even when they are demolished and erased, with God's help and then with our effort, they will rise again to shine and promote good, because such is the fate of buildings and structures from which good words and messages of peace are sent," Ljevaković emphasized.
He stated that in the life of a Muslim, a mosque has two key roles, which stem from its very name. Namely, in our tradition, two terms are used for a mosque - mesdžid and džamija. Mesdžid is a place where prostration is performed. Therefore, a mosque is a place where a Muslim performs prostration and other acts of worship, and the second role of a mosque, indicated by its other name, is to gather, bring closer, and unite, he explained.

"From the first role, the spiritual mission of the mosque is understood, as it speaks of prostration, prayer, and upbringing, and from the second, its earthly, social task, as it reminds us of the obligation to gather, socialize, and cooperate in good with the people around us. These two key roles of the mosque clearly confirm the teachings of Islam that a person in this world should constantly work for their worldly life and their afterlife. While constantly being aware that they do not live alone in this world, but that other creatures of God live alongside them, and that they must also take care of their interests and rights," he stressed.

Almighty God asks us to compete in good deeds, as much as we can, to sacrifice our time and possessions in God's way, for the common good, and to compete in this, Ljevaković added.

"Therefore, every place where there is a mosque that serves its purpose is blessed. And its purpose is precisely that: to raise people of high moral values, high culture, and good manners, and to develop nobility in them. Without these values, human life loses its fragrance and sweetness, loses its meaning. Where faith is strong among people, there are no cases of loneliness and abandonment. No one should be neglected there. People recognize brothers and sisters in each other and rush to their aid, which has been witnessed in every time and place," he stated.

A person should take care of their relationship with the Creator, but at the same time, of their relationship with His creatures, and above all with other people, the deputy Reis-ul-ulema said, among other things.

"A person cannot look only at their own interest and neglect the interests of those around them. Faith teaches us that we should take care of ourselves, our loved ones, but also all the people with whom we live and share this common piece of planet Earth. Therefore, from this blessed place on this special day, we say that this beautiful country is spacious and wide enough for all its citizens and peoples. There is enough space for all of us in it, and it is our common homeland. By renovating mosques, we confirm that we want to live in these our areas. Here we plan our present and our future," he emphasized.

Faith requires us not only to take care of ourselves who live now but also to take care of future generations who will come - what kind of country we leave them as a legacy, Ljevaković stressed.

"This mosque of ours and other waqf properties are witnesses that righteous people lived and died here, who strived, worked, and finally left this world, but they left us this legacy, so it is up to us to follow in their footsteps, and to preserve, ennoble, improve, and leave this bounty we have in the country of Bosnia and Herzegovina as a trust for future generations. Today, we hand over this mosque to the people of this city with the hope that they will love it and take care of it. God, bestow Your blessing upon it and take it under Your protection. And make it a beacon of goodness and mercy, and a nursery of virtues," concluded the deputy Reis-ul-ulema.