Support for Mufti Dedović: We expect him to persevere and be even louder

(Patria) - Regarding the increasingly frequent and pronounced verbal attacks on the dignity and person of the Mostar Mufti Salem-ef. Dedović, the District Board of the Ilmiyya Association Mostar, in a press release, expressed full support for Mufti Dedović as the supreme religious authority of Bosniaks Muslims in Herzegovina.

"Respected Mufti Dedović is one of the few, if not the only one, who dares to clearly and loudly state and point out the degradation of Bosniaks in Herzegovina, the usurpation of their basic human and religious rights, the seizure of property of the Islamic Community which is the common good of all Muslims, and a number of other negative trends and tendencies aimed against the interests of Bosniak Muslims," the statement reads.

It is emphasized that Mufti Dedović, unlike any other religious authority in Herzegovina, has selflessly advocated for interreligious dialogue, cooperation, and coexistence as the only correct path and a centuries-old characteristic of our country. For his dedicated and recognized contribution to building and affirming peace in the difficult post-war period, he was awarded the annual recognition "Architect of Peace" by the Center for Peace and Multi-ethnic Cooperation from Mostar in 2017.

"If defending the interests of his Community and his parishioners is a sufficient reason for numerous vile souls to attack Mufti Dedović and for numerous malicious pens to sharpen, then we are even more certain that the actions of Mufti mr. Salem-ef. Dedović are correct and the best possible in the given moment and social context. We expect him to persevere and be even louder and more decisive, and the support of the District Board of the Ilmiyya Association Mostar will certainly not be in question," the statement says.

The District Board of Ilmiyya Mostar called on all competent institutions and relevant social factors to protect the integrity of Mufti Dedović, as well as every individual in their endeavor to have and enjoy their rights.

"We also call on our parishioners to, within their capabilities, actively engage in the work and functioning of our communities and our Community, and the protection of our common rights. Finally, we remind that visionaries, brave and courageous leaders, and hard workers on the path of good have often been subjected to criticism. However, the honorable Quran tells us: 'And say: You do your work, and Allah will see your work, and so will His Messenger and the believers!'", reads the statement signed by president Nihad-ef. Ahmetović.