Muftija Fazlović: Srebrenica Genocide Memorials are a Guidepost and Message to New Generations

(Patria) - The Srebrenica genocide memorials, and all our martyrs' graves, should forever remain a testament to our people's struggle for freedom and dignity, should remain a guidepost and a message to new generations about the necessity of caring for the fate of their homeland, stated Tuzla Mufti dr. Vahid-ef. Fazlović.

In an interview with MINA Agency on the occasion of the 29th anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica and the collective funeral, Muftija Fazlović reminded that martyrs' graves in Bosnia and Herzegovina have been created for centuries, as many martyrs in past times defended and protected this land and its values with their lives.

"In the defense against the aggression on our homeland and the genocide against Bosniak Muslims, numerous martyrs of our time gave their lives, and new martyrs' graves have emerged across this land. Due to the special honor and respect that Islamic teachings attribute to martyrs, our people have preserved special reverence for them," he said.

He assessed that Bosniaks today responsibly confirm their awareness of the great, unique sacrifice of Bosnian martyrs through their attitude towards all their martyrs' graves.

"We come to the martyrs' graves with humility and prayer to the Lord of the worlds, but also for the lessons we draw from their deeds as a pledge and guarantee of our survival. Thus, we strengthen our own spirituality and self-confidence," stated the Muftija.

Muftija Fazlović has repeatedly stated that "the future of Srebrenica is the future of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the future of our people." He explained whether we have realized this imperative that lies before all of us.

"The whole world owes a debt to Srebrenica because the genocide against the Bosniak population of this city was not prevented, including many other Podrinje Bosniaks who sought refuge there from the aggression, as a UN protected zone. While the conscience has awakened in most countries of the world and responsibility has been accepted for the most heinous crime committed in Srebrenica, this has not happened with those in whose name the army and police of Republika Srpska committed genocide. This then means that the international community must necessarily continue its efforts to fully fulfill the debt to Srebrenica," believes Muftija Fazlović.

He said that it is possible to talk about the security and future development of the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina only if every threat to the future of Bosniaks is clearly and completely eliminated after they survived the genocide in Srebrenica.

"This is a truth that every Bosniak must be most deeply aware of, especially those who bear the greatest responsibility in the politics and government of this country. None of them are allowed to postpone or neglect their responsibility and duty towards Srebrenica in any way. Whether it is direct effective action by domestic institutions, or action towards international actors who have both legal and moral responsibility for Srebrenica," emphasized the Muftija.

We are marking this anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica with the adopted Resolution, but also in an atmosphere of unfortunate events and worrying rhetoric. Muftija Fazlović also spoke to MINA Agency about what the response should be to the situation we are in.

"The Resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica is undoubtedly an important civilizational act, and it finally establishes the International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica. The Resolution is primarily important for the victims of the genocide, and then for all Bosniaks who patiently and with great difficulty are rebuilding and building their lives in Srebrenica and in every other place of return. By adopting this resolution, the hope that humanity has the strength to firmly grasp the rope of common good has now increased. That today, and in the future, we fight against human evil and sedition," he stressed.

He added that the Resolution on the genocide in Srebrenica clearly confirmed the support of the United Nations for the state of Bosnia and Herzegovina and all people committed to peace, mutual respect, and cooperation.

"On this path, we will be stronger in the future, despite the fact that not everyone has yet recognized the genocide in Srebrenica and that there is no tendency towards repentance and catharsis due to responsibility for this crime. Although attacks on the foundations of this country can often be heard, most of its inhabitants are determined to preserve their homeland and build common social values. This is our greatest right and our greatest obligation. With the dignity already shown, Bosniaks, together with all noble people, will mark this anniversary of the genocide and humbly perform the funeral prayer for the martyrs at the musalla in Potočari before the Face of Almighty God. The feeling that we are doing this this year on the day declared the International Day of Remembrance and Commemoration of the Genocide in Srebrenica is important," he pointed out.

Although the Resolution has been adopted, the fight for truth and justice does not end, the Muftija pointed out.

"Man certainly has the deepest need for truth and justice to be fulfilled. And that primal instinct within us is stronger than any pain and sorrow. The need for truth and justice ultimately inevitably overcomes lies and injustice. Are not the mothers of Srebrenica in our time a magnificent example of the struggle and victory of truth and justice? For all of us in Bosnia, and globally. The mothers of Bosnian martyrs have clearly and strongly testified to the messages of the Lord of the worlds. Truth and justice are the foundations for the existence and survival of the world. Therefore, those who faithfully bear witness to the truth and never give up on the principles of justice are certainly on the right path," he stated.

Given that the 20th March of Peace is organized this year, Muftija Fazlović also spoke about its importance, as the March of Peace is a kind of symbol and message.

As he assessed, along with the funeral of the martyrs and the commemoration, the March of Peace is a particularly important testimony in marking the anniversary of the genocide against Bosniaks in Srebrenica.

"Participants in this dignified procession send a message in all directions about the importance of peace and how important it is to be a witness on the path of truth about the human evil of genocide so that it does not happen again and so that justice is fulfilled and peace is permanently secured. Thousands of participants in the March of Peace, in which many young people participate, once again most decisively and powerfully offer support and comfort to the mothers of Srebrenica and all families of victims of genocide and other crimes in this country. Their path of peace and the cautionary call they issue with this act is even more important at a time when the most heinous crimes are being committed before our eyes and children, the elderly, and women are being killed in Palestine and in some other parts of the world. All participants in the March of Peace deserve our great respect and gratitude," Muftija of Tuzla dr. Vahid-ef. Fazlović told MINA Agency.