Fifth session of the Islamic Community Assembly in BiH: Appointment of new muftis confirmed

(Patria) - The Islamic Community Assembly in Bosnia and Herzegovina today, chaired by Edhem Bičakčić, held its fifth regular session at the Gazi Husrev-beg Library in Sarajevo.

In his address to the assembly members, the Reis-ul-ulema called for conscientious and moral action in the public sphere, pointing out that patriotism is necessary for strengthening the state.

- Responsibility, as an important moral imperative, is increasingly neglected in the face of the onslaught of populism as a general social trend. An insatiable hunger for short-term transient gain has pushed the common good aside as a value.

It seems that this deviation has deeply affected all pores of society. Trust is being lost in those who perform public duties and represent other people in that capacity.

If norms and rules can be violated with impunity, there are very few who are prevented by moral judgment or faith and responsibility before God from acting dishonestly.

And, dishonest is everything done in a public office that we would not want other people to know about, especially those to whom we are accountable - said the Reis-ul-ulema.

Among other things, he clearly stated that we all need the state as an institution above all institutions, to be the guarantor of our survival and peaceful life in freedom.

He presented to the assembly members the activities of the Islamic Community, including the development of internal organization, work with youth and women, and the opening of the Museum of the Islamic Community.

He emphasized the need for greater state support, especially regarding waqf property and the failure to sign an agreement with the Islamic Community.

He also highlighted the importance of social programs and the continuous support of Community members in humanitarian actions.



At the regular session, reports on the work of the Islamic Community bodies, the Reis-ul-ulema, the Council of Muftis, and the Riyasat were adopted, as well as financial reports on the work of institutions, which is a constitutional obligation of the Assembly.

The reports were adopted unanimously and represent a sign of the strengthening of all bodies of the Islamic Community, said Edhem Bičakčić, President of the Assembly.

- These reports indicate the institutional strengthening of all bodies of the Islamic Community, the strengthening of the economic base, and positive operations and full transparency in the previous period - Bičakčić pointed out, adding that a decision was also made on the distribution of surplus revenue.

At today's session, the Assembly confirmed the reappointment of the muftis of the Islamic Community meshihats in Serbia and Croatia – Mevlud-ef. Dudić and Aziz-ef. Hasanović.

The Reis-ul-ulema Kavazović explained that these are muftis who have been performing important functions in the Islamic Community for many years, and that in the previous term they served as muftis and presidents of the Meshihats in the mentioned areas.

Explaining the proposal to appoint Senaid-ef. Kobilica as mufti of the Islamic Community for Western Europe, the Reis-ul-ulema stated that he is a well-known alim in Islamic Community circles, who has held several important positions in his work and successfully coordinated work in the Western Europe region.

- I believe that with his character and knowledge of the problems in Western Europe, he can respond to the questions raised related to the work of the Islamic Community in that area, and I appreciate that his work will contribute to the development of our community - said the Reis-ul-ulema.

The position of mufti for the Western Europe region was held by the deputy Reis-ul-ulema Enes-ef. Ljevaković, who, together with the umbrella organizations of the Islamic Community, managed religious life in that area.

The appointment of the muftis was confirmed by a unanimous decision of the Assembly for a period of five years, after which the elected officials took an oath accepting the entrusted duty.

The newly appointed mufti Senaid-ef. Kobilica, in his address to the assembly members, thanked them for the trust and support shown, stating that through the development of dialogue he expects significant progress in the work of the numerous heterogeneous communities in the area entrusted to him.

The session ended with a prayer recited by the deputy Reis-ul-ulema Enes-ef. Ljevaković.