Mostar Islamic Community: It is inconceivable that the marathon's organization on the Day of Martyrs is not coordinated with the Islamic Community

(Patria) - The Islamic Community (MIZ) of Mostar informed its congregations and all interested parties today that there has been a change in the schedule for marking the Day of Martyrs.

Visits to martyrs' cemeteries will be held on Saturday, March 21, but the times have been adjusted as follows:
‣ Visit to Mostar martyrs' cemeteries and offering of Khatam-du'a at 12:30 PM (instead of the earlier 10:00 AM);
‣ Visit to the Kantarevac cemetery in Liska Street at 1:00 PM;
‣ Visit to local martyrs' graves at 1:45 PM.

This change occurred due to the marathon being held in Mostar, which, unfortunately, caused serious difficulties in planning and coordinating the scheduled visits.

"MIZ Mostar expresses serious indignation due to the situation that led to the rescheduling of the Day of Martyrs commemoration protocol - a day of exceptional importance for our people and religious community.

It is inconceivable and unheard of that sports activities on the city streets are planned for the greatest Muslim holiday, Eid, and the day commemorating the suffering of the Bosniak people, and that the public and the Islamic Community only learn about it the day before Eid," stated MIZ Mostar.

At the same time, MIZ Mostar also states that they are not against sports activities.

"On the contrary, we support every form of sports gathering, but it is unacceptable that permits and schedules are issued and coordinated without prior consultation with the Islamic Community, which institutionally and traditionally organizes programs during religious holidays.

Such oversights emphasize the need to ensure respect for religious and national symbols in the future, so that congregations and citizens can mark important dates with dignity, without additional adjustments.

We thank everyone for their understanding and ask you to adhere to the new schedule for marking the Day of Martyrs," the statement concludes.