Politicians must learn about moral values, and theologians about politics as a science

Dr. Mustafa Cerić, an independent candidate for the Bosniak member of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, visited Singapore, where he held several lectures and met with numerous political officials, religious leaders, professors, academics, and students, it was announced from the Public Relations Office of Dr. Cerić.

Dr. Cerić met, among others, with Teo Chee Hean, the Deputy Prime Minister of Singapore, with whom he exchanged views on issues of common interest, particularly on the situation in the Middle East and its possible consequences for peace and security in the world. The current situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the upcoming general elections were also discussed, as well as ways of cooperation between our country and Singapore.

Appreciating his work and efforts in building and preserving peace during his mandate as the Reis-ul-ulema, the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS) at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore invited Dr. Cerić to share his years of experience in dialogue between religion and politics, religion and morality, religion and culture, religion and the future of the world with professors and students.

Dr. Cerić also held a series of lectures at other institutions in Singapore. At the Islamic Centre, he addressed Singaporean ulema and intellectuals, speaking on the topic "Ethics and Diversity: The Contribution of Islamic Leadership in the Modern World."

"For all Muslims in the world today, the most needed is the ethics of sincerity and honest relations among them as individuals and communities. This moral and honest inter-Muslim relationship is a prerequisite for a moral and honest relationship with others," stated Dr. Cerić, emphasizing that Muslims today have more problems with communication among themselves than with others.

"Therefore, it is important for Muslims to apply their love for one another as respect for one another, in terms of respecting human rights and the right to have different opinions within Muslim communities that are within the general principles of the faith and practice of Islam," stressed Dr. Cerić in his address to the Singaporean ulema and intellectuals.

Addressing the youth, to whom he spoke on the topic "The Challenge of Hatred - Islam, Conflict, and Building Peace," Dr. Cerić emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace and goodness, and that those who do not understand this, "are not consistent with the teachings of Islam and cause immense harm to Islam and Muslims in the world."

Through all his addresses, Dr. Cerić highlighted the experiences of our country, stating that the two most important lessons from Bosnia are:

"The first is that the moral law is not in books, but in the heart, and the second is that true faith is the reason for coexistence and tolerance; while false faith is the cause of conflict and intolerance," said Dr. Cerić.

He also touched upon future relations between religion and politics, emphasizing that "politicians must learn about religious and moral values in the same way that theologians must learn about politics as a science, which presupposes the organization of society on the principles of truth and justice."

"No one has a monopoly on any social activity... Nevertheless, the responsibility of each individual for public action in the context of political and moral obligation for the benefit of all people must be clearly defined. The twenty-first century will be marked by a great debate between faith and politics, and therefore it is necessary for politicians and theologians to do their homework, which is to learn from each other with a sincere desire to help one another in the difficult task of establishing and maintaining peace and security in the world," said Dr. Cerić.